For many students who are enrolled in IGNOU and IGNOU, the study of literature is often the most difficult portion of their work. This is particularly true for those who are working on an ignou-mcom project in which academic depth is expected, yet guidance frequently appears to be limited. Students are often asked if they should write down their book chapters, write journal articles in a different way, or simply collect quotes. The truth lies somewhere between, and understanding how different approaches can impact the quality of the entire project.
Literature reviews are not intended to be a record of how much content you've read. It is written to show how well you comprehend the literature that is relevant to your area of study and how your project fits in. IGNOU assessors scrutinize the chapter since it demonstrates your ability to connect concepts with research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before you write anything, it is crucial to comprehend why this chapter is needed in an ignou mcom project. Literature review serves three main goals.
First, it demonstrates that the subject you have chosen has been previously studied and has academic relevance. In addition, it allows you to discern gaps or deficiencies in earlier studies. Thirdly, it gives you an overview of your research goals and the methodology.
Many students treat this chapter as a formality, and take content from other assignments or other online sources. This often results in failing marks or even rejection of the project. IGNOU will require original content even when discussing the results of existing studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not require students to write at the level of an PhD thesis. The same time those who write merely to explain their ideas are too much to be avoided. If you are working on an ignou-mcom project the literature review should reflect postgraduate level understanding.
You are expected to review research papers, books journal articles, reports, or even publications from the government that relate to your subject. The concentration should be on the studies that directly link to your research field.
In this case, for example, if your research focuses on the financial performance of banks Your literature review should focus on earlier studies concerning financial ratios the performance of banks, profitability analysis and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
One of the most common mistakes students make is selecting a lot of unrelated sources. Quality is more important than quantity. If you are looking to build an ignou mcom business about fifteen to twenty powerful sources are generally enough provided they are selected with care.
These are good sources for academic journals popular books written by well-known authors RBI papers, official reports and even university research papers. Websites that have unclear authorship should be avoided.
Always choose studies that are recent especially those from the past 10 years. These older studies may be included only if they are foundational in the nature.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter increases perception and readability. Instead of writing random summaries, break up sections of the review in clear sections.
You could organize the chapter based on themes, time period method, variables, or methodologies researched. For instance, one chapter might focus on studies that relate to profit, while another could concentrate on liquidity, while another one on operational efficiency.
This structure assists evaluators to understand that you are not just taking content and copying it, but also analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style should be straightforward but academic. Avoid overly complicated language and use of jargon. IGNOU values clarity over complexity.
Each study that you talk about must contain the name of author, year of study, research objectives, methods, and main findings. Don't mention them in a logical manner. It is best to connect one study with a different one.
When you've discussed your findings from one study, be able to mention that another author's findings backed or contradicted those findings. This way of looking at comparisons adds the depth of your ignou project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
The most common error is writing the literature review as the kind of chapter in a textbook. The need to explain the fundamental concepts like definition of accounting or meaning of management should not be included in this article unless they are directly linked to previous studies.
Another issue is the overuse of quoting. Your literature review should be written by you in individual words. Writing in a paraphrase shows comprehension, whereas using copying can show dependency.
Students should also make sure to link the literature to their research subject. Any study you discuss must be in line with the research goals.
The Linkage Literature Review with Research Gap
The most important outcomes of the review of literature is to identify the research gap. IGNOU reviewers expect you to reveal what previous researchers did not know or the areas where more study is required.
After looking over several studies, you'll notice that the majority of studies centered on large organizations in contrast to small businesses being not considered. Additionally, previous studies utilized secondary data but primary information was not as extensive.
This is a reason for your IGNOU mcom project. Without it, your project may appear monotonous.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When writing the review of literature an appropriate citation is required. IGNOU generally accepts APA style, but consistent writing is more important than flawlessness.
Each research study should be included in the list of references at the conclusion of the project. Any missing references cast doubt on the authenticity.
Avoid footnotes when reviewing literature. In text citation works better as it appears cleaner in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of their literature reviews should run. There's no rule of thumb but, for an ignou MCOM project, the chapter generally ranges from fifteen hundred between two thousand and a thousand words.
The length should depend on your topic's complexity. The more expansive topic requires additional research while a targeted topic requires fewer, but more extensive discussions.
A review that is too long and without analyses does not increase marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing like this
Author A studied the performance of banks and came up with positive results
Write as this
The author A conducted research on bank performance by using financial ratios. He concluded that profitability improved because of better asset management. This conclusion was later confirmed by Author B who highlighted the role played by operation efficiency in improving the bank's returns.
This method is based on an understanding and analysis that can be valued in an MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU MCOM project report takes plagiarism seriously. Many projects get denied or delayed because of duplicated literature reviews. Even if you cite previous studies, the language must be your own.
Make use of plagiarism-checking tools if feasible and revise content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou master of commerce assignment, you should read the literature review thoroughly. Find out if the study you are reviewing is relevant, if your flow follows logically and if the chapter leads naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter clarify why my research is necessary. If the answer is yes, then this review of literature is definitely on the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a literature review for an ignou MCOM project might be difficult at first especially for those who return back to their academics after a period of. When you realize it is about analysis and connection rather that memorization, the work becomes easier to manage.
Be sure to read, think and write with your own voice. This dedication is clearly reflected into the final version of your work. This often determines the difference between one that is average and a solid one.