For many students in IGNOU studying studies can be the most challenging aspect of the work. This is especially true for students working on IGNOU's mcom projects, where academic rigor is expected. However, instruction often isn't clear. Students frequently ask if they must write summaries of books, edit journal articles, or simply collect quotes. In reality, there is a place between, and understanding this distinction can alter the overall quality of the project.
A review of literature is not intended to be a record of the quantity of information you've read. It is written to show how well you understand the current research related to the topic you're researching and how your idea fits in with it. IGNOU MCOM project submission guide (t.wyjadaczewisienek.pl) evaluaters pay close attention to this chapter as it shows your ability to connect the theory and research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before writing anything, it must be understood why the chapter exists in an ignou mcom project. Literature reviews serve three primary purposes.
First, it shows that the subject you have chosen already has been explored and is of academic importance. Second, it aids you identify gaps or limitations in earlier research. Thirdly, it gives you the foundation for your research goals and the methodology.
A majority of students view this chapter as a formality and copy content from their previous assignments or online sources. This practice usually leads to lower marks or rejection of projects. IGNOU demands original writing even when discussing previous studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write on the scale of the PhD thesis. But explaining in the simplest way is not permitted. In the case of an ignou mcom assignment, the review of literature will reflect understanding that is postgraduate.
It is expected that you read research papers, books, journals, reports, and, sometimes, government publications relevant in your research topic. The focus should be on studies closely related to your research field.
If, for instance, your project is on financial performance of banks So, your literature reviews should focus on prior research on financial ratios, efficiency of banks, profitability analyses and risk evaluation.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake that students make is selecting a lot of unrelated sources. Quality is more important than quantity. For an ignou-mcom project, around fifteen to twenty reliable sources will suffice If they're chosen with care.
The best sources are academic journals popular books written by well-known creators, RBI books, public reports and university level research papers. Websites that have unclear authorship should be avoided.
Always choose studies that are recent particularly those that have been published in the last ten years. Some older studies are acceptable only if they are fundamental in study.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well organized chapter improves readability and impression. Instead of composing brief summaries on the fly, separate sections of the review in sensible sections.
It is possible to organize the chapter by theme, time period as well as the methodology or variables investigated. For example, one section could discuss research related to profitability, another may focus on liquidity, while another is focused on operating efficiency.
This structure can help evaluators realize the difference between taking content and copying it, but also analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing must be formal but not abrasive. Beware of a long, rambling style and unnecessary language. IGNOU values clarity over complexity.
Each study you present should include the name of the author, year of study, objective, methodology, and major findings. But, don't list them mechanically. Try to connect one study to another.
For example, after discussing one study, you could discuss how a different author's findings supported or challenged those findings. The comparative approach adds more the depth of your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
An error that is often made is to write the literature review as a textbook chapter. In explaining the basics of concepts like the definition of accounting, or the meaning of management do not belong in this article unless they are directly linked in previous studies.
Another mistake is to use too many quotes. Your literature review should be written by you in individual words. In the end, paraphrasing is an indication of understanding, while using copying can show dependency.
Students often fail to connect the literature to their research study. Any study you discuss must be clearly linked to the research goals.
Connecting Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the most important results of the examination of literature is to identify the research gap. IGNOU evaluaters want you to be able to demonstrate what prior researchers missed or indicate where additional research is required.
After looking over several studies, you'll see that most research was focused on large companies in contrast to small businesses being left out. It is also possible that previous studies used secondary data but primary information were not sufficient.
This is a reason for your IGNOU mcom project. Without it, your plan could seem repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing the review of literature An accurate citation is imperative. IGNOU generally recognizes APA style, but coherence is more important than perfection.
All studies discussed must be included in the reference list at the end of the study. References that are not included raise doubts about authenticity.
Avoid footnotes when reviewing literature. A text-based citation is more efficient as it appears cleaner in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often inquire about how long their literature reviews should last. There's no standard rule, but for an ignou MCOM project, the chapter typically spans from fifteen hundred and two thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on how complex the topic is. A more broad subject requires more research. A targeted topic requires fewer, but more in-depth discussions.
Unnecessarily lengthy reviews with no analysis doesn't improve scores.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing like this
Author A has studied bank performance and came across positive results
Write as such
Autor A conducted a study of bank performance based on financial ratios. She concluded that profitability increased due to better asset management. This result was later confirmed by Author B who highlighted the importance of the efficiency of operations in enhancing bank returns.
This approach is based on the ability to analyze and comprehend, which is essential to an MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism seriously. Many projects get deferred or even rejected due to published literature reviews that have been copied. Even if you cite earlier studies, the language you use must reflect the original.
Check for plagiarism using tools if possible. If you are able, modify your content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect is better than copied perfection.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou master of commerce project, reread the literature review thoroughly. Check whether each study is relevant, if you can follow the logic of the review, and whether the chapters flow naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter clarify what my study needs to be done. If yes you're on the correct path.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a review of literature for a ignou mcom project can be a challenge at first especially for those who return to academics after a gap. If you can realize that it is more about connecting and analysis than memorization, it becomes easier to manage.
Make time to read, think, and write in your personal voice. This dedication is clearly reflected in your final work and often determines the difference between an average essay and a impressive one.