For many students who are enrolled in IGNOU, the review of literature can be the most confusing part of the assignment. This is particularly true for those who are working on the ignou mcom course, where academic rigor is expected, yet guidance frequently seems to be a little sluggish. Students usually ask whether they must summarize books, revise journal articles, or simply collect quotations. The reality is somewhere between, and knowing that a distinction could alter the overall quality of the project.
A review of literature is not a report of how much content you've read. It is written to show how well you comprehend the existing work related to your subject and how your idea fits in with it. IGNOU evaluators look closely at 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 is crucial to understand why this chapter exists in an ignou mcom project. The literature review serves three main goals.
First, it demonstrates it is clear that the topic you've chosen has been studied earlier as well as having a relevance for academic studies. Second, it aids you find gaps or weaknesses in prior research. In addition, it can provide an overview of your research goals and your methodology.
Many students treat this chapter as a formality and duplicate content from previous assignments or online sources. This practice usually leads to small marks or project failure. IGNOU is looking for original writing even when discussing studies that are already in progress.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write on the scale of a PhD thesis. Additionally, very basic explanations are as well discouraged. For an ignou MCOM project the literature review should reflect an understanding of postgraduate levels.
The expectation is to look over research papers, books journals, reports, and even government publications pertaining to your field of study. The attention should be focused on studies that directly connect with your research topic.
If, for instance, your research is focused on the financial performance of banks In your literature review, you should examine earlier research in relation to financial ratios efficiency of banks, profitability analyses and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
One common mistake students make is deciding to use too many disparate sources. It's more about quality than quantity. For an ignou project about fifteen to twenty reliable sources will suffice for a good selection.
Good sources include academic journals well-known books written by renowned names, RBI newspapers, report from government agencies, as well as university research papers. Websites that are not clear on authorship should be avoided.
It is always best to choose recent studies and ideally, from the last 10 years. Other studies from the past may be considered only if they are fundamental in way.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter increases readership and impression. Instead of composing random summaries, break up chapters of a literature analysis into logical sections.
You may organize the chapter in accordance with themes, time period method, variables, or methodologies investigated. For example, one section may cover studies related profitability, while another could focus on liquidity, and another focused on the efficiency of operations.
This structure makes it easier for evaluators to see that you're not copying content but analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style should be straightforward but academic. Avoid excessive language and terminology. IGNOU places emphasis on clarity over complexity.
Each study you discuss should contain the name of author, year of study, objective, methodology, and most important results. Do not, however, list them in a logical manner. Try to connect one research with the other.
In the case of discussing an article, you can mention how another author supported or refuted the findings. The comparative approach adds more depth to your ignou MCOM project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is to write the literature review in the form of an academic chapter. A brief explanation of the most fundamental concepts, like understanding of accounting's definition or of management do not belong in this article unless they are directly linked to previous studies.
Another mistake is excessive quoting. Your review of literature should be written by you in individual words. This shows your understanding. copying shows dependence.
They also fail to link literature with their own research subject. Every study you reference must have a clear connection the goals of your project.
The Linkage Literature Review with Research Gap
The most important result of the study of literature is identifying the gap in research. IGNOU evaluaters want you to explain what the previous researchers missed and where further research is required.
After having discussed a myriad of studies it is possible to observe that the majority research focused on large organizations and small businesses were absent. And earlier studies used secondary data, however primary data were not sufficient.
This is why it's the main reason for your initiative with ignou MCOM. Without it, your project may seem repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When you write a review of literature The proper citation of the source is essential. IGNOU generally accepts APA style, however quality is more important than consistency.
All studies discussed must be included in the reference list at the end of the study. Missing references create doubts about authenticity.
Avoid footnotes in literature reviews. In text citation works better and looks cleaner in an IGNOU MCOM project synopsis (thebigredbarn.co.za) mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often ask how long the book review needs to be. There's no definitive rule in the case of an ignou assignment in mcom, this chapter typically spans from fifteen hundred in length to 2500 words.
The length should be determined by the complexity of the topic. A topic that is more extensive requires more studies, while a concentrated topic will require less but more in-depth discussions.
The need to write lengthy reviews that do not include analysis does not improve marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing like this
Author A did a thorough study of bank performance and discovered good results
Write as such
This author conducted a study about banking performance by using financial ratios. He found that profitability improved due to better asset management. This conclusion was later affirmed by Author B who highlighted the role played by operation efficiency in improving returns to banks.
This is an approach that demonstrates the ability to analyze and comprehend, which is a must in an MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects get denied or delayed because of copy-pasted literature reviews. Even if you refer to previously published studies, the style ought to be uniquely yours.
Make use of plagiarism-checking tools if possible. If you are able, modify your content until it sounds natural. A slightly imperfect sentence can be better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou-mcom project, go through your literature review carefully. Find out if the study you are reviewing is relevant, if the flow is logical and whether your chapter will naturally lead to 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 that literature study is in the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature to be used in an ignou mcom assignment may be daunting at first Particularly for students returning to school after a break. However, once you realize that it's about connection and analysis, rather than memorization, the project is manageable.
Do your best to read, consider, and write in your personal voice. This dedication is clearly reflected in your final product and often determines the difference between the average submission and a strong one.