In the case of many students at IGNOU review, reviewing literature can be the most confusing part of the assignment. This is particularly true for students working on the ignou mcom course, in which academic depth is expected. However, guidance often isn't available. Students are often asked if they are required to summarize books or write journal articles in a different way, or simply gather quotations. In reality, there is a place between, and understanding that difference can change the overall quality of the project.
A literature review is NOT written to illustrate how much material you have read. It's written to demonstrate how well you understand the prior work on the topic you're studying and how your project fits in. IGNOU reviewers are attentive to this chapter as it shows your ability to connect theoretical concepts to research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before writing anything, however, it important to be aware of the reason this section is part of an ignou MCOM project. The literature review serves three principal purposes.
First, it shows that the area you've selected is a subject that has been studied previously and has a scientific significance. Thirdly, it assists you identify gaps or limitations in prior research. It also provides an understanding of studies' goals and research methodology.
Many students take this chapter as a formality and copy content from previous assignments or other online sources. This usually leads to the project being rejected or not getting marks. IGNOU insists on original writing, even when discussing existing studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write at the level of an PhD thesis. While doing so, very basic explanations are prohibited. For an ignou mcom project the literature review must reflect the postgraduate understanding.
You're expected to study books, research papers Journals, reports, and sometimes government publications related to your research area. The focus should be on studies that directly connect with your research area.
For instance, if the task is to study the financial performance of banks the literature review will focus on prior studies in relation to financial ratios profitability analysis, banking performance, and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
The most frequent mistake that students make is selecting a lot of unrelated sources. The quality of the information is more important than the quantity. For an ignou-mcom project about fifteen to twenty quality sources are usually sufficient in the event that they are carefully selected.
Academic journals are a good option and reputable books written by well-known author, RBI documents, Government reports and even university research papers. Websites with unclear authorship should be avoided.
Always look for studies that are more recent most likely from the past ten years. It is possible to include older studies in the event that they are fundamental in manner.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter will improve reading comprehension and creates a positive impression. Instead of composing random summaries and essays, you should divide your literature reviews into clear sections.
It is possible to organize the chapter depending on the theme, the time period, methodology, or variables studied. For instance, one chapter could discuss research related to profit, while another could concentrate on liquidity, while another one on operational efficiency.
This structure makes it easier for evaluators to see that you're not taking content and copying it, but also analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing should be simple but academic. Avoid excessive language and use of jargon. IGNOU places emphasis on clarity over complexity.
Every research you share should include the author's name, year of study, research objectives, methods, and major findings. Don't mention them in a linear manner. Do your best to link one study with another.
In the case of discussing an article, you can be able to mention that another author's findings backed or challenged those findings. The comparative approach adds more greater depth to your project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is to compose the literature review like a textbook chapter. A brief explanation of the most fundamental concepts, like what accounting is and the meaning of management is not a good idea here unless directly linked to previous studies.
Another mistake is to use too many quotes. Your review of literature should be written in you own language. This shows your understanding. using copying can show dependency.
Students may also not link literature with their own research study. Every study you write about should be in line with your research goals.
Links Literature Review with Research Gap
One of most important outcomes of a review of literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU examiners expect you demonstrate what researchers in the past did not realize or indicate areas where further research is required.
In a discussion of multiple studies you will notice that the majority of research was focused on large companies, while small firms were not considered. Or that earlier studies used secondary data, however primary data was not enough.
This void is the reason for your IGNOU MCOM project synopsis - centerdb.makorang.com, mcom project. Without it, your plan could seem repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When you write a review of literature The proper citation of the source is essential. IGNOU generally recognizes APA style, but coherence is more important than perfection.
Each research study should be included in the list of references at the conclusion of the project. Lack of references could raise doubts over 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 often ask how long an essay on literature should last. There's not a standard for length and for an ignou MCOM project, this chapter typically ranges from fifteen hundred to two thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on your topic's complexity. A larger topic demands the most research, whereas a focussed topic requires less but more in-depth discussions.
Reviewing unnecessarily long without analysis doesn't improve scores.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing this way,
The author analyzed banking's performance and obtained good results
Write as this
This author carried out a study on the performance of banks with financial ratios. He concluded that profitability increased by a better management of assets. This was later validated by Author B, who emphasized the role of operating efficiency in boosting returns to banks.
This is an approach that demonstrates understanding and analysis, which can be valued in an mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU is a firm believer in plagiarism. Many projects are deferred or even rejected due to duplicated literature reviews. Even if you refer to earlier studies, the language ought to be uniquely yours.
Utilize plagiarism checking tools when you can and then rewrite the content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed can be better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou MCOM task, revisit the literature review carefully. Examine whether every study is relevant, whether your flow follows logically and if it is linked naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter help explain why my study is needed. If yes you're on the correct track.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature for an ignou MCOM project may initially be challenging particularly for students returning to school after a long hiatus. Once you realize that it is more about connecting and analysis than memorization of information, the task becomes doable.
Spend time reading, think, and write with your own voice. This effort will be evident in the final draft and often can be the difference in being a weak submission and an average one. well-crafted one.