For many students enrolled in IGNOU studying research becomes the most confusing portion of their work. This is especially the case for those working on IGNOU's mcom projects, where academic rigor is expected, yet guidance frequently isn't as clear. Students usually ask whether they must summarize books, refret journal articles or simply collect quotes. The reality is somewhere between, and knowing that different perspectives can impact the quality of the entire project.
Literature reviews are not a document that demonstrates the quantity of information you've read. It is written to show how well you comprehend the current work in relation to your field and how your proposal fits within it. IGNOU evaluations look at this chapter due to your ability to link knowledge with research directions.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before writing anything, it is crucial to consider the reasons the chapter exists in an ignou MCOM project. The literature review serves three main functions.
In the first place, it indicates it is clear that the topic you've chosen is one that has been studied in the past and has academic significance. The second is that it assists you to detect gaps or deficiencies in earlier research. Thirdly, it serves as an overview of your research goals and the methodology.
Many students see this chapter as a formality and take content from other projects or sources on the internet. The result is usually negative marks or project rejection. IGNOU insists on original writing, even when discussing existing studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write on the scale of an PhD thesis. In the same way any explanation that is not basic is also not recommended. For an ignou master's degree project, the review of literature must reflect understanding at postgraduate level.
The expectation is to look over research papers, books, journals, reports, or even publications from the government that relate with your field. The emphasis should be placed on studies that directly connect with your area of study.
In the case of example, if your project is focusing on the financial performance of banks In your literature review, you will focus on prior studies that dealt with financial ratios, profitability analysis of bank operations, performance in banking, and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
One common mistake students make is combining too many irrelevant sources. The quality of the information is more important than the quantity. When it comes to an ignou mcom project roughly fifteen to twenty strong sources are usually enough when they're well-chosen.
The best sources are academic journals, reputed books by known creators, RBI newspapers, report from government agencies, and even university research papers. Websites with ambiguous authorship should be avoided.
Always look for studies that are more recent, ideally from the last 10 years. Studies from the past can be considered in the event that they are fundamental in study.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter increases understanding and perception. Instead of composing short summaries that are not organized, divide your literature reviews into clear sections.
The chapter can be organized using themes, period techniques, methodologies, or variables examined. For instance, one chapter may discuss studies related to profitability, while another could focus on liquidity while the other about operational effectiveness.
This structure aids evaluators in understanding that you're more than just copying content, but actually analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing should be straightforward but academic. Avoid using a lot of words and terms. IGNOU favors clarity over complexity.
Each research study you write about should include the name of the author as well as the year of study, the research objectives, methods, and most important results. It is not necessary to list them mechanically. Make an effort to link one study to another.
When you've discussed an article, you can be able to mention that another author's findings backed or contradicted those findings. This method of comparison adds richness to your ignou project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is to compose the literature review in the form of a textbook chapter. Simply explaining concepts such as the definition of accounting, or the meaning of management are not needed in this section unless it is directly connected to other studies.
Another error is overquoting. Your literature review should be written in the style of your personal words. In the end, paraphrasing is an indication of understanding, while copying shows dependency.
Students may also not link works to their research topics. Any study you discuss must have a clear connection your objectives for your 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 clarify what research earlier researchers did not or indicate areas where further research is needed.
After discussing multiple studies, you'll notice that the majority of research focused on large organizations smaller firms were ignored. Also, earlier studies employed secondary data, while primary data were not sufficient.
This gap can be the motivation for your project in the ignou mcom. Without it, the project might appear repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When you write a review of literature it is important to use a proper citation. IGNOU generally supports APA style, but coherence is more important than perfection.
All studies discussed must be included in the reference list at the end of the project. Any missing references cast doubt on the authenticity.
Do not use footnotes for literature reviews. In-text citations are more efficient and appears more professional 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 be. There's no set timeframe and for an ignou assignment in mcom, this chapter generally ranges from fifteen hundred and two thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on the level of complexity of the topic. A broader topic requires more study, while a targeted topic requires fewer, but deeper discussions.
The need to write lengthy reviews that do not include analysis is not going to improve your marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing like this
Author A researched the bank's performance and got good results
Write like this
Author A conducted a study on bank performance based on financial ratios. She concluded that profitability improved because of improved asset management. This result was later confirmed by Author B who stressed the importance of operation efficiency in improving bank returns.
This strategy demonstrates understanding and analysis, which is considered important 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 copied literature reviews. Even if your reference is to prior studies, the language will have to match your own.
Make use of plagiarism checking tools whenever possible and rewrite content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed can be better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Prior to submitting your IGNOU MCOM project submission guide (websites) mcom project, reread your literature review carefully. Check whether each study is relevant, if the flow of the study is coherent, and whether the chapters naturally connect to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter help explain the need for my study. If yes that literature study is in the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a literature review for an ignou mcom project may initially be challenging, especially for students returning to college after a long absence. But once you understand that it is all about connection and analysis rather that memorization, the work becomes easier to manage.
You should take the time to read, think and write in your personal voice. The effort you put into it will show clearly in the final draft and often determines the difference between an average essay and a high-quality one.