In the case of many students at IGNOU, the review of literature can be the most confusing portion of their work. This is especially the case in the case of IGNOU's mcom projects, where academic rigor is expected, however guidance often isn't available. Students typically ask if they must write summaries of books, modify journal articles, or simply collect quotes. In reality, there is a place between, and knowing that differences can affect the overall quality of the project.
A review of literature is not a report of the quantity of information you've read. It is written to show that you are knowledgeable about the available research on your topic and how your project fits in. IGNOU assessment experts are attuned to this chapter, as it illustrates your ability to connect theories with research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before you begin writing any article, it is important to understand why this section is part of an ignou mcom project. The review of literature serves three main functions.
It first shows that the subject you have chosen is a subject that has been studied previously and has academic significance. It also helps you identify any gaps or limitations from earlier research. Thirdly, it serves as an understanding of research goals and the methodology.
Many students treat this chapter as a formality and duplicate content from previous assignments or online sources. The result is usually failing marks or even rejection of the project. IGNOU is looking for original writing even when addressing existing research.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not require students to write at the level of the PhD thesis. Additionally it is recommended that students write in a simple way. also discouraged. In an IGNOU MCOM project help (ezproxy.nu.edu.kz) project the literature review must reflect understanding at postgraduate level.
You're expected to study books, research papers report, journals, and sometimes, government publications related to your area of study. The study should focus on topics that directly link to the research area you are studying.
For example, if your project focuses on the financial health of banks If so, your literature analysis should focus on earlier studies that dealt with financial ratios, efficiency of banks, profitability analyses and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common error students make is combining too many irrelevant sources. Quality matters more than quantity. For a project in ignou in the range of 15 to 20 sturdy sources is usually sufficient in the event that they are carefully selected.
Some good sources are academic journals well-known books written by renowned authors RBI newspapers, report from government agencies, and university research papers. Websites that are not clear on authorship should be avoided.
Always choose studies that are recent at least from the last ten years. It is possible to include older studies but only if it is foundational in terms of.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter can improve reading comprehension and creates a positive impression. Instead of writing brief summaries on the fly, separate this literature summary into logical sections.
The chapter could be structured by theme, time period and methodology or even variables investigated. For example, one section could discuss research related to the profitability of a business, while another section may concentrate upon liquidity, while another is focused on operating efficiency.
This structure helps evaluators understand that you're not simply copying content. You are actually studying it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing is academic, but simple. Avoid dense language and excessive terminology. IGNOU prefers simplicity over clarity.
Every study you review should include the name of the author as well as year of study, methodological objective, most important results. But, don't list them chronologically. It is best to connect one study with another.
When you've discussed the findings of one study, you could mention how another author supported or opposed those findings. This type of analysis adds greater depth to your project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is to compose the literature review in the form of it is a textbook chapter. In explaining the basics of concepts like the definition of accounting, or the meaning of management are not needed in this article unless they are directly linked with previous research.
Another mistake is to use too many quotes. Your literature review should be written in yourself. It is a sign of understanding that you are paraphrasing, while copying implies dependence.
Students also forget to link works to their research focus. Every study you write about should have a clear connection your goals for the project.
Interlinking Literature Review with Research Gap
One of important outcomes of the review of literature is identifying the gap in research. IGNOU evaluaters want you to explain what the previous researchers missed and where further research is needed.
When you look over a range of studies you'll see that most research was focused on large companies and small businesses were disregarded. Also, earlier studies employed secondary data but primary information was scarce.
This gap can be the motivation for your initiative with ignou MCOM. Without it, your plan could appear monotonous.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing a review for literature it is important to use a proper citation. IGNOU generally supports APA style, however it is more about consistency than perfection.
All studies discussed must be included in the list of references at the end of the project. Without references, there is a chance to doubt the authenticity.
Avoid footnotes on literature reviews. In text citation works better as it appears cleaner in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of their literature reviews should last. There's no set timeframe that can be followed, however for an MCOM project, the chapter typically spans from fifteen hundred -two thousand words.
The length should be determined by the subject's complexity. A broader topic requires more research. A narrowly focused subject requires less but more in-depth discussions.
Writing unnecessarily long reviews without analyses does not increase marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing like this
Author A researched the bank's performance, and found positive results
Write as this
This author performed a study examining banking performance using financial ratios. It concluded that profitability improved through better asset management. This conclusion was later affirmed by Author B and Author B, who emphasised the importance of operational efficiency in enhancing returns to banks.
This is an approach that demonstrates the ability to analyze and comprehend, which is valued in an ignou mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU is a firm believer in plagiarism. Many projects get delayed or rejected due to published literature reviews that have been copied. Even if you cite prior studies, the language has to be distinctly yours.
Make use of plagiarism-checking tools if possible. Then, rewrite the content to make it sound natural. A slightly imperfect sentence is better than copied perfection.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting an ignou mcom project, go back through your literature review carefully. Make sure that each study is relevant, whether you can follow the logic of the review and if the chapter leads naturally to your research goals.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this section explain why my study is needed. If yes, then your study's literature reviews are on the right track.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a review of literature for an ignou project may initially be challenging in particular for students who are returning into academics after a time off. When you understand that it's an analysis and connection, rather than memorizing, the job is manageable.
Make time to read, consider, and write in your unique voice. This effort will be evident in the final work. It often marks the difference between an average submission and a well-crafted one.