For a lot of students studying at IGNOU MCOM project report ; click through the following post, review, reviewing books is the most confusing part of the project work. This is particularly true for those working on the ignou mcom course, where academic depth is expected but guidance often feels a bit limited. Students typically ask if they must write summaries of books, edit journal articles, or simply gather quotations. In reality, there is a place between, and knowing how different approaches can impact the quality of the entire project.
Literature reviews are not written to show how much literature you've read. It's written to demonstrate your understanding of the prior work on your topic and how your proposal fits within it. IGNOU evaluators look closely at the chapter since it demonstrates your ability to link the theory and research direction.

Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before composing anything, it is important to understand why this chapter is essential to an ignou mcom project. Literature review serves three principal purposes.
In the first place, it indicates that the topic you selected has been studied earlier in the academic world and is relevant to research. Furthermore, it will help you determine the gaps or shortcomings in earlier research. Thirdly, it gives you an outline for your research objectives as well as your method of study.
Many students see this chapter as a formality, and copy content from previous assignments or web-based sources. This approach usually results in small marks or project failure. IGNOU is looking for original writing even when addressing existing research.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not expect students to write at the level of an PhD thesis. While doing so extremely basic explanations are prohibited. In an ignou project, the review of literature should reflect postgraduate-level understanding.
You're required to read books, research papers report, journals, as well as government publications that are related to your area of study. The concentrate should be on studies related to the research area you are studying.
For instance, if the project focuses on the financial health of banks and banks, then your literature search should concentrate on studies that have been conducted previously regarding financial ratios performances of banks, profitability studies and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
One common mistake students make is selecting too many unrelated sources. Quality is more important than quantity. If you are looking to build an ignou mcom business approximately fifteen to twenty powerful sources are generally enough if they are well chosen.
A good source is academic journals as well as reputable books by renowned author, RBI papers, official reports as well as university research papers. Websites that don't have a clear authorship must be avoided.
The best studies are those that are current especially those from the past ten years. The older studies may be included only if they're of a fundamental in terms of.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized section improves understanding and perception. Instead of writing unstructured summaries, split each literature overview into sensible sections.
You can organize the chapter based on themes, time period as well as the methodology or variables to be studied. For example, one section may cover studies related profitability, while another could focus on liquidity and another regarding operational efficiency.
This structure aids in understanding that you're not simply copying content, you are actually analysing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing must be formal but not abrasive. Avoid overly complicated language and jargon. IGNOU prefers simplicity over clarity.
The study you are discussing should include the author's name, year of study, methodological objective, main findings. However, don't list them mechanically. Try to connect one study with a different one.
For instance, following discussion of some study, you can explain how another author's work supported the results or countered them. This method of comparison adds depth to your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is to write the literature review in the form of a textbook chapter. In explaining the basics of concepts like the definition of accounting, or the meaning of management is not a good idea here unless directly linked to earlier studies.
Another error is over-quoting. Your literature review should be written by you in you own language. It is a sign of understanding that you are paraphrasing, while copying shows dependence.
They also fail to link studies to their own research field. Every research you present should have a clear connection your research goals.
Connection of Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the most significant outcomes of reviewing the literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU examiners are expecting you to expose what researchers of the past missed or indicate areas where further research is required.
After examining a variety of studies, you'll realize that most studies focused on large corporations however small companies were not considered. Or that earlier studies used secondary data, whereas primary data was limited.
This gap is the basis for your projects ignou.com. Without it, your program could appear repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When writing a review of literature An accurate citation is imperative. IGNOU generally supports APA style, however coherence is more important than perfection.
All studies discussed must be included in the reference list at the end of the project. Lack of references could raise doubts over authenticity.
Avoid footnotes during a literature review. Citations in text work better and looks cleaner in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often ask how long the literature review should run. There is no set amount in the case of an ignou MCOM project, this chapter usually spans from fifteen cents to two thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on topics' complexity. A broad topic will require more research while a specific topic requires fewer but more in-depth discussions.
A review that is too long and without the ability to analyze them does not boost marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing as this
Author A analyzed the performance of banks and came up with positive results
Write this way
This author conducted research on bank performance based on financial ratios. She found that profitability improved due to better asset management. The findings were later confirmed by Author B who also emphasized the role of operational efficiency in boosting return on investment for banks.
This approach emphasizes an understanding and analysis that is considered important in an ignou MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism seriously. Many projects get cancelled or delayed due the use of copied literature reviews. If you do refer to previously published studies, the style is yours.
Make use of plagiarism checking tools whenever possible. Then, rewrite the content to make it sound natural. A slightly imperfect sentence is far better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou MCOM project, make sure you read the literature review carefully. Be sure to check if each study is relevant, whether your flow follows logically and whether the chapter flows naturally towards your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this section explain the reason for why I need to study it. If the answer is yes, then your review on literature will be in the best track.

Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature for an ignou MCOM project isn't easy at first especially for students returning to academics after a gap. But once you recognize that it is more about analysis and connecting than recitation, the challenge is a lot easier.
It is important to take time to read, think, and write with your own voice. This dedication is clearly reflected in the final draft and can make the difference between being a weak submission and an average one. strong one.