For many students who are enrolled in IGNOU, the review of literature can be the most confusing element of the project. This is especially true in the case of IGNOU's mcom projects, in which academic depth is expected but guidance often isn't available. Students are often asked if they are required to summarize books or revise journal articles, or simply gather quotes. The truth lies somewhere between, and knowing this distinction can alter the quality of the entire project.
A review of literature is not written to show how much of the literature you've read. It is written to show how well you comprehend the current research related to the topic you're researching and how your project is integrated into it. IGNOU examiners examine this chapter since it showcases your ability to link theory with research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before you write anything, it is essential to know why this section is part of an IGNOU MCOM project synopsis (click the up coming website page) MCOM project. The review of literature serves three major purposes.
It first shows that the area you've selected has been extensively studied and has a scholarly significance. Additionally, it can help you detect gaps or deficiencies in earlier studies. Thirdly it helps you establish an understanding of research goals and your methodology.
Many students see this chapter as a formality and duplicate content from previous assignments or other online sources. The result is usually poor marks or even project rejection. IGNOU expects original writing even when addressing existing research.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not require students to write on the scale of the PhD thesis. However explaining in the simplest way is too much to be avoided. If you are working on an ignou-mcom project the literature review should reflect a postgraduate level of understanding.
You're required to read books, research papers report, journals, and even government publications pertaining to your field of study. The primary focus should be on research which directly relate to your research field.
For instance, if your project is on financial performance of banks So, your literature reviews should be focused on previous studies about financial ratios bank performance, profitability analysis, and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common error students make is selecting a lot of unrelated sources. It is the quality that matters more than the quantity. When it comes to an ignou mcom project it is recommended that you use between 15 and 20 reliable sources will suffice in the event that they are carefully selected.
An excellent source of information is academic journals well-known books written by renowned creators, RBI publications, government reports, as well as university research papers. Websites that are not clear on authorship should be avoided.
Always prefer recent studies and ideally, from the last ten years. Older studies can be included but only if it is foundational in manner.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter can improve perception and readability. Instead of writing random summaries, divide your literature reviews into sensible sections.
The chapter can be organized depending on the theme, the time period and methodology or even variables to be studied. For example, one section might discuss studies on profitability, whereas a different section could focus on liquidity, while another focused on the efficiency of operations.
This structure aids in understanding that you're more than just copying content, but actually analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style should be straightforward but academic. Avoid overly complicated language and use of jargon. IGNOU prefers simplicity over clarity.
Each study you analyze should include the name of the author, year of study, methodological objective, major findings. But, don't list them in a formal manner. It is best to connect one study with the other.
If you're discussing the findings of one study, you could mention how another author supported the results or countered them. This comparative approach adds complexity to your ignou project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
One of the most frequent mistakes is to write the literature review as an academic chapter. A brief explanation of the most fundamental concepts, like the definition of accounting and the meaning of management should not be included in this article unless they are directly linked to earlier studies.
Another error is quoting too much. Your literature review should be written by you in individual words. In the end, paraphrasing is an indication of understanding, while copying indicates dependence.
Students should also make sure to link works to their research topic. Every research you present should have a clear connection to the goals of your project.
Linking Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the most important outcomes of reviewing the literature is to identify the research gap. IGNOU reviewers expect you to show what earlier researchers missed or the areas in which further research is needed.
In the course of discussing several studies it's possible that research was focused on large companies, while small firms were unaddressed. Additionally, previous studies utilized secondary data but primary data was not as extensive.
This is a reason for your IGNOU mcom project. Without it, your project may appear repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing the review of literature It is vital to have a correct citation. IGNOU generally supports APA style, however consistent writing is more important than flawlessness.
Each study that is discussed should be included in the list of references at the end of the project. Missing references create doubts about authenticity.
Avoid footnotes when reviewing literature. Citation in text is more effective as it appears cleaner in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of the length of their review on literature ought to run. There isn't a set rule and for an ignou MCOM project this chapter usually ranges between fifteen hundred or two thousand words.
The length should depend on what the topic's difficulty. A topic that is more extensive requires the most research, whereas a focussed topic requires less but more extensive discussions.
Unnecessarily lengthy reviews with no any analysis doesn't increase marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing like this
Author A studied bank performance and discovered good results
Write as this
This author conducted a study about bank performance with financial ratios. He concluded that profitability improved due to better asset management. This conclusion was later confirmed by Author B and Author B, who emphasised the importance of operational efficiency in improving the bank's returns.
This approach reflects an understanding and analysis that is considered important in an ignou MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are deferred or even rejected due to duplicated literature reviews. Even if your reference is to prior studies, the language needs to reflect your unique style.
Utilize plagiarism checking software if possible, and modify content until it sounds natural. A slightly imperfect sentence is more effective than perfect copying.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou mcom project, go back through the literature review thoroughly. Find out if the study you are reviewing is relevant, if you can follow the logic of the review and whether your chapter will naturally lead to your research goals.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this article explain the need for my study. If yes, it's on the right track.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature as part of an ignou master's thesis may be daunting at first Particularly for students returning to college after a long absence. But once you know that it's an analysis and connection, rather than recitation, the challenge is easy to handle.
It is important to take time to read, think, and write in your own voice. This effort will be evident in the final draft and often can be the difference in one that is average and a powerful one.