For many students who are enrolled in IGNOU reviewing literature is often the most difficult part of the project work. This is especially true for those who are working on an ignou mcom assignment, in which academic depth is expected. However, guidance usually appears to be limited. Students typically ask if they should write down their book chapters, rewrite journal articles, or simply collect quotations. The truth lies somewhere between, and knowing how different approaches can impact the overall quality of the project.
A review of literature is not intended to be a record of the quantity of information you've read. It's written to demonstrate how well you understand the previous work that pertains to the topic you're researching and how your project is integrated into it. IGNOU examiners are particularly interested in this chapter, as it illustrates your ability to link the theory and research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before you write anything, it is important to understand why this section is part of an ignou mcom project. Literature reviews serve three main purposes.
In the first place, it indicates that the topic you chose has been previously studied and is of academic importance. In addition, it allows you to detect gaps or deficiencies in previous studies. In addition, it can provide the foundation for your research objectives and methodology.
Most students view this section as a formality and copy content from earlier projects or from online sources. This approach usually results in failing marks or even rejection of the project. IGNOU will require original content even in discussions of studies already completed.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not expect students to write on the scale of a PhD thesis. While doing so it is recommended that students write in a simple way. prohibited. In the case of an ignou mcom assignment, the review of literature will reflect understanding that is postgraduate.
The expectation is to look over research papers, books or reports, journals and sometimes, government publications related to your area of study. The main focus should be on those studies closely related to your research field.
For instance, if the project is focusing on the financial performance of banks If so, your literature analysis should focus on prior research about financial ratios profitability analysis of bank operations, performance in banking, and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
The most frequent mistake that students make is deciding to use too many disparate sources. Quantity is not as important as quality. When it comes to an ignou mcom project it is recommended that you use between 15 and 20 strong sources are usually enough should they be selected carefully.
Some good sources are academic journals well-known books written by renowned authors, RBI papers, official reports and university research papers. Websites that lack clarity on the author should be avoided.
It is always best to choose recent studies, ideally from the last 10 years. Some older studies are acceptable only if they are foundational in terms of.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
An organized chapter improves readership and impression. Instead of composing random summaries, divide an overview of literature into logical sections.
It is possible to organize the chapter by theme, time period method, variables, or methodologies researched. For instance, one chapter might discuss studies on profits, whereas another may focus on liquidity and the third regarding operational efficiency.
This structure makes it easier for evaluators to see that you are not just copying content but analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style should be simple and academic. Avoid heavy language and unnecessary language. IGNOU prefers simplicity over clarity.
Each study you analyze should contain the name of author, year of study, methodological objective, principal findings. Do not, however, list them in a linear manner. Try to connect one study with another.
In the case of discussing some research, you might mention how another author supported or disputed those findings. This kind of approach can add complexity to your ignou project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is to compose the literature review like the kind of chapter in a textbook. In explaining the basics of concepts like understanding of accounting's definition or of management do not belong in this section unless it is directly connected to previous research.
Another mistake is to use too many quotes. Your review of literature should be written by you in your own words. Reading from the source shows understanding, and copying indicates dependence.
Students also forget to link the literature to their research topic. Every research you present should have a clear connection the objectives of your project.
Connecting Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the key outcomes of reviewing the literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU examiners expect you identify what earlier researchers didn't know or where more research is required.
After reviewing a number of studies, you'll notice that the majority of studies focused on large corporations in contrast to small businesses being unaddressed. It is also possible that previous studies used secondary data while primary data was not as extensive.
This gap can be the motivation for your IGNOU mcom project. Without it, the project might appear repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing a review for literature A proper citation is necessary. IGNOU generally recognizes APA style, but consistent writing is more important than flawlessness.
Each study that is discussed should be included in the reference list at the conclusion of the project. Missing references create doubts about authenticity.
Beware of footnotes when writing a literature review. Citation in text is more effective and looks more professional in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of an essay on literature should be. There's no definitive rule but for an MCOM IGNOU solved project (source web page) project, this chapter generally ranges from fifteen hundred at to two thousand.
The length should be determined by your topic's complexity. A larger topic demands the most research, whereas a concentrated topic will require less but more in-depth discussions.
Writing unnecessarily long reviews without analyses does not increase marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing this way,
Author A conducted a study of the bank's performance, and found positive results
Write as this
Write as this: Author A conducted a study on the performance of banks using financial ratios, and concluded that profitability improved due to better asset management. This result was later confirmed by Author B, who emphasized the role of operation efficiency in improving bank returns.
This approach emphasizes understanding and analysis, which is valued in an ignou mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are delayed or rejected due to the use of copied literature reviews. Even if you reference earlier studies, the language is yours.
Make use of plagiarism-checking tools if feasible and revise content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect is better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou master of commerce project, make sure you read the literature review attentively. Examine whether every study is relevant, if the flow is rational and if the chapters flow naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter clarify the need for my study. If yes, your literature review is on the right track.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a review of literature for a ignou mcom project may feel challenging at first in particular for students who are returning back to their academics after a period of. But once you know that it's more about connecting and analysis than memorizing, the job becomes doable.
It is important to take time to read, think and write in your own voice. This effort will be evident on your final product and often makes the difference between your average work and a solid one.
