For many students who are enrolled in IGNOU it is the reviewing of literature can be the most complicated portion of their work. This is particularly true when working on an ignou mcom project, in which academic depth is expected. However, instruction often isn't available. Students usually ask whether they need to summarize books, refret journal articles or simply collect quotations. The reality lies somewhere in between, and understanding how different approaches can impact the overall quality of the project.
Literature reviews are NOT written to illustrate the quantity of information you've read. It's written to demonstrate how well you understand the works that are currently being done on your area of study and how your project is integrated into it. IGNOU reviewers are attentive to this chapter as it shows your ability to link the theory and research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before you begin writing any article, it is important to understand why this chapter is needed in an ignou mcom project. The literature review serves three major purposes.
First, it shows that the subject you picked has been extensively studied as well as having a relevance for academic studies. The second is that it assists you to discover gaps or issues in prior research. Thirdly it helps you establish the basis for your research objectives and methodological.
Many students approach this chapter as a formality and duplicate content from previous projects or even from online sources. This is a common practice that results in the project being rejected or not getting marks. IGNOU will require original content even when presenting existing work.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not require students to write on the scale of an PhD thesis. However any explanation that is not basic is as well discouraged. For an ignou mcom project the literature review should reflect an understanding of postgraduate levels.
You're required to read books, research papers or reports, journals and even government publications pertaining to your topic. The concentration should be on the studies that directly connect with the research area you are studying.
In this case, for example, if your study is about the financial performance of banks Then your literature review should focus on prior research concerning financial ratios profitability analysis of bank operations, performance in banking and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
The most common mistake students make is selecting too many unrelated sources. Quality is more important than quantity. For an ignou-mcom project roughly fifteen to twenty sturdy sources is usually sufficient provided they are selected with care.
These are good sources for academic journals well-known books written by renowned the authors RBI publications, federal reports as well as university research papers. Websites that do not have clear authorship requirements should be avoided.
Always look for studies that are more recent at least from the last ten years. The older studies may be included but only if it is foundational in terms of.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter enhances readability and impression. Instead of writing random summaries and essays, you should divide an overview of literature into logical sections.
You can structure the chapter according to themes, time period, methodology, or variables investigated. For example, one section could focus on studies related the financial performance, while another may focus on liquidity and another is focused on operating efficiency.
This structure can help evaluators realize that you're not copying content, you are actually analysing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing should be academic but simple. Avoid a lot of language and use of jargon. IGNOU believes in simplicity over complexity.
Each study you analyze should be listed with the author's name, the year of study, the objectives, the methodology used, and major findings. It is not necessary to list them in a formal manner. Do your best to link one study to another.
For example, after analyzing the findings of one study, you could be able to mention that another author's findings backed and/or refuted the findings. This method of comparison adds depth to your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
One frequent error is writing the literature review in the form of the textbook chapter. Simply explaining concepts such as the definition of accounting, or the meaning of management are not needed here unless directly linked with previous research.
Another mistake is excessive quoting. Your literature review should be written in an individual way. This shows your understanding. the copying of your review shows dependency.
Students are also prone to not linking publications to their personal research field. Each study you reference should have a clear connection with your project objectives.
Connection of Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the key outcomes of a review of literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU evaluaters want you to clarify what research earlier researchers did not or the areas where more study is required.
When you look over a range of studies you may observe that most studies focus on large organisations however small companies were disregarded. Also, earlier studies employed secondary data, but the primary data was not enough.
This gap becomes the justification for your ignou mcom project. Without it, your plan could appear to be repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing a review for literature It is vital to have a correct citation. IGNOU generally accepts APA style, however being consistent is more important than achieving perfection.
Each study covered must appear in the reference list at the end of the project. Lack of references could raise doubts over authenticity.
Don't use footnotes to review literature. In-text citations are more efficient and looks cleaner in an ignou mcom project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often ask how long the length of their review on literature ought to last. There's no definitive rule however, for an ignou MCOM project, the chapter typically ranges from fifteen hundred and two thousand words.
The length should depend on the subject's complexity. For a broad topic, you will need more study, while a particular topic will require fewer, but more extensive discussions.
Writing excessively long reviews without analysis will not help improve marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing this way,
Author A studied the performance of the banking industry and came to positive results
Write this way
The author A conducted a research study on banking performance using financial ratios. They concluded that profitability improved through better asset management. This result was later confirmed by Author B who also emphasized the role of operational efficiency when it comes to improving bank profits.
This type of approach shows the ability to analyze and comprehend, which is what counts in an mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU is a firm believer in plagiarism. Many projects are denied or delayed because of plagiarism in literature reviews. Even if the reference is to prior studies, the language has to be distinctly yours.
Use plagiarism checking tools as possible, and modify content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect can be better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Prior to submitting your IGNOU MCOM project report (dandr.su) mcom project, go back through your literature review carefully. Examine whether every study is relevant, whether you can follow the logic of the review and whether it is linked naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter help explain the reason why my research is important. If the answer is yes this review of literature is definitely on the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature to be used in an ignou mcom assignment may initially be challenging especially for students returning into academics after a time off. But once you know that it is about analysis and connection rather than memorization, it is a lot easier.
Do your best to read, think, and write in your personal voice. That effort reflects clearly into the final version of your work. This can make the difference between one that is average and a good one.