For a majority of students enrolled at IGNOU The review of literature can be the most confusing aspect of the work. This is particularly true for those working on an ignou mcom project, where academic depth is expected. However, instruction often isn't as clear. Students generally ask whether they should summarize their books, make journal articles more readable, or simply take notes of quotations. The truth lies somewhere between, and understanding that a difference could affect the quality of the entire project.
A literature review is not written to reveal how much content you've read. It's written to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the prior work on the topic of your choice and how you project fits in. IGNOU assessors scrutinize this chapter due to your ability to link knowledge with research directions.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before you write anything, it is crucial to consider the reasons this chapter is essential to an ignou mcom project. The review of literature serves three major purposes.
In the first place, it indicates it is clear that the topic you've chosen has been studied earlier and has a scholarly significance. Thirdly, it assists you detect gaps or deficiencies in previous studies. It also provides the basis for your studies' goals and research methodology.
Most students view this section as a formality, and duplicate content from previous projects or even from online sources. This can result in negative marks or project rejection. IGNOU expects original writing even when examining existing studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write on the scale of the PhD thesis. But the use of very basic explanations is discouraged. In the case of an ignou mcom assignment the literature review should reflect postgraduate-level understanding.
The expectation is to look over books, research papers, journals, reports, as well as government publications that are related to your topic. The focus should be on studies which directly relate to your research topic.
For example, if you study is about the financial performance of banks, then your literature review must focus on earlier research regarding financial ratios bank performance, profitability analysis, and risk evaluation.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake that students make is picking too many unrelated sources. The quality of the information is more important than the quantity. For an ignou mcom project it is recommended that you use between 15 and 20 quality sources are usually sufficient in the event that they are carefully selected.
A good source is academic journals reliable books from well-known creators, RBI publications, federal reports as well as university research papers. Websites with ambiguous authorship should be avoided.
Always opt for recent studies at least from the last 10 years. The older studies may be included in the event that they are fundamental in the nature.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized section improves the readability and impact. Instead of composing random summaries and essays, you should divide sections of the review in clear sections.
The chapter could be structured by themes, time period and methodology or even variables investigated. For instance, one chapter may examine studies that pertain to the profitability of a business, while another section may concentrate on liquidity while the other on operational efficiency.
This structure aids evaluators in understanding that you are not just copying content, you are actually analysing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style is academic, but simple. Avoid a heavy use of language or unnecessary vocabulary. IGNOU seeks simplicity above all else.
Every study you review should contain the name of author, year of study, goal, methodology, and most important results. However, don't list them in a linear manner. You should try to link one study with the other.
For instance, after discussing the findings of one study, you could describe how another researcher supported and/or refuted the findings. This method of comparison adds the depth of your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
The most common error is writing the literature review like an academic chapter. It is important to clarify the basic concepts, such as definition of accounting or the significance of management do not belong in this article unless they are directly linked in previous studies.
Another error is over-quoting. Your review of literature should be written in your own words. Paraphrasing shows understanding, while copying implies dependence.
Students also forget to link study findings to their own topic. Every study you reference must have a clear connection your goals for the project.
The Linkage Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the major outcomes of the review of literature is to identify the research gap. IGNOU assessors require you to reveal what previous researchers did not know and where further research is needed.
In the course of discussing several studies you'll find that a lot of research focused on large organizations smaller firms were disregarded. The earlier studies also used secondary data, however primary data was not as extensive.
The gap in the picture is the reason for your an ignou project. Without it, the project might appear repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing the review of literature The proper citation of the source is essential. IGNOU generally recognizes APA style, but coherence is more important than perfection.
All studies discussed must be included in the list of references at the end of the project. References that are not included raise doubts about authenticity.
Avoid footnotes for literature review. Citation in text is more effective and appears better in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of the writing review must run. There's no rule of thumb but, for an ignou assignment in mcom, this chapter usually ranges between fifteen hundred up to two thousand words.
The length should be determined by how complex the topic is. For a broad topic, you will need more research while a targeted topic requires fewer, but more in-depth discussions.
Reviewing unnecessarily long without analysis does not improve marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing as this
Author A analyzed the performance of the banking industry and came to positive results
Write it like this
For example, author A carried out a study on banking performance using financial ratios. It concluded that profitability improved because of better asset administration. This result was later confirmed by Author B, who emphasized the role of operational efficiency in increasing bank profitability.
This approach is based on an understanding and analysis that is valued in an ignou MCOM IGNOU Project Work project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU is a firm believer in plagiarism. Many projects get denied or delayed because of copied literature reviews. Even if you reference previous research, the language has to be distinctly yours.
Make use of plagiarism-checking tools if possible. Rewrite content to make it sound natural. A slightly imperfect sentence is superior to copied perfection.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou MCOM project, reread the literature review thoroughly. Find out if the study you are reviewing is relevant, if your flow follows logically and if it is linked naturally to your research goals.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this article explain what my study needs to be done. If yes, your study's literature reviews are on the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature to complete an ignou mcom research project may feel challenging at first particularly for those returning to academics following a gap. When you understand that it's about analysis and connections rather than memorization, the task is manageable.
It is important to take time to read, think, and write with your own voice. This dedication is clearly reflected in the final project and often makes the difference between the average submission and a outstanding one.