For a majority of students enrolled at IGNOU reviews of literature can be the most complicated element of the project. This is especially the case for those who are working on the ignou master's degree project where academic depth is expected, yet guidance frequently isn't clear. Students are often asked if they have to write a summary of books, write journal articles in a different way, or simply gather quotations. In reality, there is a place between, and understanding that a distinction could alter the overall quality of the project.
A review of literature is NOT written to illustrate how much material you have read. It's written to demonstrate your understanding of the works that are currently being done on your area of study and how your idea fits in with it. IGNOU MCOM project synopsis - Read the Full Posting - evaluators look closely at this chapter due to your ability to connect ideas with research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before completing any work, it is crucial to understand why the chapter exists in an ignou MCOM project. Literature reviews serve three main purposes.
First, it demonstrates that the topic you selected has been studied earlier and has a scholarly significance. Second, it helps you discern gaps or deficiencies in previous studies. Thirdly it helps you establish a base for your research goals and your methodology.
Many students see this chapter as a formality, and copy content from previous projects or even from online sources. This usually leads to small marks or project failure. IGNOU expects original writing even when discussing the results of existing studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write at the level of the PhD thesis. On the other hand extremely basic explanations are discouraged. In the case of an ignou mcom assignment, the review of literature should reflect postgraduate knowledge.
The expectation is to look over books, research papers report, journals, and sometimes government publications related in your research topic. The concentration should be on the studies related to the area of your study.
For example, if you project is focusing on the financial performance of banks the literature review should include earlier studies dealing with financial ratios banking performance, profitability analysis, and risk evaluation.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake made by students is selecting too many non-related sources. Quantity is not as important as quality. For a project in ignou roughly fifteen to twenty solid sources are typically enough in the event that they are carefully selected.
Academic journals are a good option well-known books written by renowned authors RBI papers, official reports and university research papers. Websites with no authorship confirmation should be avoided.
Always prefer recent studies at least from the last 10 years. More recent studies can be added in the event that they are fundamental in terms of.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
An organized chapter improves readership and impression. Instead of writing random summaries, divide this literature summary into logical sections.
It is possible to organize the chapter based on themes, time period techniques, methodologies, or variables which are being studied. For instance, one section may examine studies that pertain to profitability, another may focus on liquidity while the other focused on the efficiency of operations.
This structure assists evaluators to understand the difference between copying content, but rather analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing should be straightforward but academic. Beware of a long, rambling style and unnecessary use of jargon. IGNOU believes in simplicity over complexity.
Each study that you talk about must contain the name of author, year of study, research objectives, methods, and significant findings. It is not necessary to list them chronologically. You should try to link one study to another.
For example, after discussing one study, you could explain how another author's work supported and/or refuted the findings. This comparative approach adds depth to your ignou MCOM project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
One frequent error is writing the literature review like a textbook chapter. Discussing fundamental concepts like what accounting is and the meaning of management do not belong in this article unless they are directly linked to previous research.
Another error is overquoting. Your review of literature should be written in one's own terms. This shows your understanding. copying indicates dependence.
Students may also not link publications to their personal research field. Every research you present should have a clear connection to your goals for the project.
Interlinking Literature Review with Research Gap
One of important outcomes of a review of literature is identifying the research gap. IGNOU evaluaters want you to demonstrate what researchers in the past did not realize and where further research is required.
After discussing multiple studies, it's possible that research focused on large firms, while small firms were neglected. Some studies have used secondary data, but the primary data was not enough.
This gap serves as the rationale for your project ignou mcom. Without it, your project will appear to be repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When you write a review of literature an appropriate citation is required. IGNOU generally follows APA style, but quality is more important than consistency.
Each study must be mentioned in the reference list at the end of the project. Without references, there is a chance to doubt the authenticity.
Avoid footnotes when reviewing literature. Citations in text work better as it appears cleaner in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of the literature review should last. There's not a standard for length however, for an ignou MCOM project, the length of this chapter usually spans from fifteen cents up to two thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on topics' complexity. A larger topic demands more research. A focussed topic requires less but more in-depth discussions.
Writing lengthy reviews that are not needed without analysis is not going to improve your marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing this way,
Author A has studied bank performance and came across positive results
Write this way
For example, author A conducted a study of bank performance using financial ratios. They found that profitability improved due to improved asset management. This conclusion was later confirmed by Author B and Author B, who emphasised the importance of operational efficiency in enhancing returns to banks.
This approach emphasizes an understanding and analysis that is what counts in an mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are refused or delayed because of review of literature that has been copied. Even if the reference is to previously published studies, the style must be your own.
Make use of plagiarism checking tools whenever possible. Then, rewrite the content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is far better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou MCOM project, make sure you read the entire literature review. Make sure that each study is relevant, if it flows in a logical manner and whether the chapters flow naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this article explain the reason for why I need to study it. If yes that literature study is in the right track.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a review of literature to complete an ignou mcom research project may initially be challenging particularly for students returning into academics after a time off. However, once you realize that it's about connection and analysis, rather than memorization, it becomes doable.
Be sure to read, consider, and write in your own voice. This is reflected in the final project and often determines the difference between an average project and a strong one.