For many students in IGNOU studying research becomes the most confusing part of the assignment. This is particularly true for those who are working on the IGNOU MCOM project synopsis - http://2or.blogsky.com - master's degree project where academic rigor is expected. However, guidance usually appears to be limited. Students frequently ask if they must write summaries of books, write journal articles in a different way, or simply gather quotes. In reality, there is a place between, and understanding that difference can change the quality of the entire project.

A literature review is not a document that demonstrates how much information you've read. It is written to show how well you understand the current research related to the topic of your choice and how you project fits in. IGNOU examiners examine this chapter as it shows your ability to link the research directions with your theory.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before beginning any writing, it is crucial to comprehend why this chapter exists in an ignou MCOM project. The review of literature serves three primary functions.
First, it shows that the subject you chose is one that has been studied in the past and is of academic importance. Second, it helps you identify any gaps or limitations from previous studies. In addition, it can provide an outline for your research goals and the methodology.
A majority of students view this chapter as a formality, and duplicate content from previous projects or online sources. This approach usually results in poor marks or even project rejection. IGNOU is seeking original and unique writing even in discussions of studies already completed.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not require students to write at the level of the PhD thesis. However explaining in the simplest way is discouraged. In the case of an ignou mcom assignment the literature review will reflect understanding that is postgraduate.
You're required to read research papers, books Journals, reports, and, sometimes, government publications relevant with your field. The primary focus should be on research closely related to your research area.
If, for instance, your study is about the financial performance of banks the literature review should be focused on previous studies dealing with financial ratios bank performance, profitability analysis, and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common error students make is choosing too many different sources. More important is quality than quantity. When it comes to an ignou mcom project, around fifteen to twenty strong sources are usually enough if they are well chosen.
Academic journals are a good option highly regarded books by well-known authors RBI books, public reports and even university research papers. Websites that do not have clear authorship requirements should be avoided.
Always look for studies that are more recent most likely from the past ten years. Other studies from the past may be considered only if they're of a fundamental in way.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter can improve readability and impression. Instead of writing random summaries, you can divide sections of the review in logical sections.
The chapter can be organized according to themes, time period and methodology or even variables the authors have studied. For instance, one section might focus on studies that relate to the financial performance, while another may focus on liquidity and another on operational 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 should be straightforward but academic. Beware of a long, rambling style and unnecessary words. IGNOU insists on simplicity over clarity.
The study you are discussing should contain the name of author, the year of study, the methodological objective, the major findings. But, don't list them in a linear manner. Try to connect one research to another.
When you've discussed the findings of one study, you could refer to how an author's findings were supported or challenged those findings. This type of analysis adds complexity to your ignou project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
An error that is often made is to write the literature review like an academic chapter. Simply explaining concepts such as understanding of accounting's definition or of management doesn't belong in this section unless it is directly connected to previous studies.
Another issue is the overuse of quoting. Your literature review should be written in an individual way. It is a sign of understanding that you are paraphrasing, while copying demonstrates dependency.
They are also often unable to link studies to their own research topics. Any study you discuss must be in line with the objectives of your project.
Interlinking Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the most significant results of a review of literature is to identify the research gap. IGNOU evaluations expect you to reveal what previous researchers did not know or where further study is needed.
In a discussion of multiple studies you'll find that a lot of research focused on large firms however small companies were not considered. It is also possible that previous studies used secondary data but primary data was limited.
This is a reason for your initiative with ignou MCOM. Without it, your project will appear monotonous.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing the review of literature A proper citation is necessary. IGNOU generally follows APA style, but consistency is more important than perfect.
Every study discussed must appear in the reference list at the end of the study. Incomplete references raise doubts about authenticity.
Avoid footnotes in literature reviews. The in-text citation is better and looks more professional in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often inquire about how long the review of literature must last. There is no set amount in the case of an ignou MCOM project, this chapter typically spans from fifteen hundred -two thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on the level of complexity of the topic. A broad topic will require more study, while a more narrowly-focused topic requires fewer but more extensive discussions.
Writing excessively long reviews without any analysis doesn't increase marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing this way,
Author A has studied the bank's performance and got good results
Create this type of writing
The author A conducted a study about bank performance with financial ratios. He found that profitability improved because of improved asset management. This conclusion was later validated by Author B He emphasized the role of operation efficiency in improving bank earnings.
This approach is based on the ability to analyze and comprehend, which is highly valued in an mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism seriously. Many projects are blocked or rejected because of the use of copied literature reviews. Even if your reference is to previous studies, the terminology has to be distinctly yours.
Check for plagiarism using tools if possible, and modify content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect will be more appealing than perfect copying.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting an ignou mcom project, read the review of literature carefully. Examine whether every study is relevant, whether it flows in a logical manner, and whether the chapter is logically linked to your research goals.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this section explain the reason why my research is important. If yes your research paper is right on path.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a literature review for an ignou MCOM project isn't easy at first, especially for students returning to academics following a gap. But once you recognize that it is about analysis and connections rather than memorization of information, the task is manageable.
Do your best to read, think, and write with your own voice. This effort will be evident in the final draft and often determines the difference between an average submission and a outstanding one.