There are many students who enroll in IGNOU The review of literature can be the most confusing component of their project. This is especially true for students working on an ignou mcom project, in which academic depth is expected, but the guidance isn't clear. Students usually ask whether they should summarize their books, refret journal articles or simply collect quotes. The reality lies somewhere in between, and understanding that a difference could affect the quality of the entire project.
A literature review is not a report of how much of the literature you've read. It's written to demonstrate how well you know the current research related to your field and how your project is integrated into it. IGNOU assessors scrutinize this chapter, as it illustrates your ability to connect the research directions with your theory.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before you write anything, it must be understood why the section exists in an ignou mcom project. The literature review serves three essential functions.
In the first place, it indicates it is clear that the topic you've chosen has been researched before and has a scholarly significance. It also helps you discover gaps or issues in prior research. Thirdly it helps you establish the foundation for your research objectives and methodology.
Many students take this chapter as a formality, and copy content from their previous assignments or online sources. This approach usually results in small marks or project failure. IGNOU expects original writing even when discussing the results of existing studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not require students to write on the scale of an PhD thesis. While doing so those who write merely to explain their ideas are also not recommended. For an ignou mcom project, the review of literature should reflect a postgraduate level of understanding.
You'll be expected to read books, research papers or reports, journals and sometimes, government publications related to the subject you are researching. The concentrate should be on studies which directly relate to your research field.
In the case of example, if your research focuses on the financial performance of banks the literature review should examine earlier research related to financial ratios, profitability analysis of bank operations, performance in banking and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake made by students is selecting too many non-related sources. Quality matters more than quantity. For an ignou project it is recommended that you use between 15 and 20 quality sources are usually sufficient as long as they're carefully chosen.
Excellent sources include academic journals that are reputable, well-known books by famous authors RBI books, public reports as well as university research papers. Websites that lack clarity on the author should be avoided.
Always choose studies that are recent that are from the last ten years. These older studies may be included only if the studies are fundamental in study.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter increases understanding and perception. Instead of writing random summaries and essays, you should divide your literature reviews into sensible sections.
The chapter could be structured using themes, period research methodology, or other variables researched. For instance, one section may discuss studies related to the profitability of a business, while another section may concentrate on liquidity and another on operational efficiency.
This structure aids evaluators in understanding that you are not just copying content, but actually analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style must be formal but not abrasive. Avoid overly complicated language and terminology. IGNOU is a firm believer in simplicity over clarity.
Every research you share should be accompanied by the name of the author, the year of study, the purpose, method, and important findings. However, do not list them chronologically. It is best to connect one study to another.
In the case of discussing your findings from one study, refer to how an author's findings were supported the results or countered them. This kind of approach can add greater depth to your project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is to compose the literature review as the kind of chapter in a textbook. In explaining the basics of concepts like definition of accounting or the significance of management is not appropriate here unless directly linked to previous studies.
Another issue is the overuse of quoting. Your literature review should be written in your own words. The use of paraphrasing indicates understanding, whereas copying demonstrates dependency.
Students may also not link studies to their own research study. The research you refer to should have a clear connection the goals of your project.
Linking Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the most significant results of a review of literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU examiners expect you expose what researchers of the past missed or if further research is required.
After discussing multiple studies, it is possible to observe that the majority studies centered on large organizations however small companies were absent. It is also possible that previous studies used secondary data, while primary data was limited.
This gap is the basis for your an ignou project. Without it, your program could appear repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When you write a review of literature, proper citation is essential. IGNOU generally recognizes APA style, however the consistency is more important than perfection.
Every study discussed must appear in the reference list at the end of the project. Lack of references could raise doubts over authenticity.
Beware of footnotes when writing a literature review. Citation in text is more effective and appears more professional in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often inquire about how long the literature review should last. There's no standard rule to follow, but for an MCOM project, this chapter generally runs between fifteen hundred to two thousand words.
The length should be determined by topic complexity. A larger topic demands more study, while a narrowly focused subject requires less but more in-depth 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 this way,
Author A studied banking performance and found good results
Write as this
Author A conducted an investigation on bank performance using financial ratios and concluded that profitability improved through better asset management. This conclusion was later affirmed by Author B who pointed out the role played by operation efficiency in improving the bank's returns.
This approach is based on the ability to analyze and comprehend, which is a must in an MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU MCOM project topics (https://quantumvarsity.com/how-to-write-an-m-com-project-for-ignou-university-2) takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are blocked or rejected because of published literature reviews that have been copied. Even if you refer to earlier studies, the language should be unique to your project.
Utilize plagiarism checking tools when possible. Rewrite content until it sounds natural. A slightly imperfect sentence is much better than perfect copying.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou-mcom assignment, you should read your literature review carefully. Review each article to determine if it is relevant, whether the flow is rational and whether the chapters naturally connect to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter provide a reason the reason why my research is important. If yes, your study's literature reviews are on the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a review of literature for an ignou-mcom project can be a challenge at first Particularly for students returning to academics following a gap. Once you realize that it's all about connection and analysis rather that memorization, the work can be accomplished.
You should take the time to read, think and write in your unique voice. This dedication is clearly reflected in the final work. It often can be the difference in two submissions: a standard one and a solid one.