In the case of many students at IGNOU it is the reviewing of literature can be the most confusing aspect of the work. This is particularly true when working on an ignou mcom assignment, where academic rigor is expected. However, guidance often isn't clear. Students usually ask whether they need to summarize books, modify journal articles, or simply gather quotations. The reality is somewhere between, and understanding that the difference can impact the overall quality of the project.
A literature review is not a document that demonstrates the amount of material you've read. It is written to show how well you have grasped the current research related to your topic and how your project is a part of it. IGNOU examiners are particularly interested in this chapter as it shows your ability to link the research directions with your theory.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before writing anything, it is crucial to comprehend why this section is part of an ignou mcom project. Literature review serves three main goals.
It first shows that the topic you selected already has been explored and has relevance to academic research. It also helps you identify any gaps or limitations from previous studies. Thirdly it helps you establish the basis for your research goals and your methodology.
Many students see this chapter as a formality and duplicate content from previous projects or even from online sources. This can result in failing marks or even rejection of the project. IGNOU does not require original writing when discussing previous studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write at the level of an PhD thesis. On the other hand explaining in the simplest way is also discouraged. For an ignou MCOM project, the review of literature will reflect understanding that is postgraduate.
It is expected that you read research papers, books or reports, journals or even publications from the government that relate to your topic. The focus should be on studies relevant to the research area you are studying.
For instance, if your project focuses on the financial health of banks So, your literature reviews should be focused on previous studies on financial ratios, performances of banks, profitability studies and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake that students make is selecting too many unrelated sources. The quality of the information is more important than the quantity. When it comes to an ignou mcom project, around fifteen to twenty good sources can be found as long as they're carefully chosen.
These are good sources for academic journals well-known books written by renowned writers, RBI publishing, state reports and even university research papers. Websites with unclear authorship should be avoided.
Always look for studies that are more recent especially those from the past ten years. Other studies from the past may be considered only if they're of a fundamental in nature.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized and organized chapter enhances readership and impression. Instead of composing unstructured summaries, split each literature overview into logical sections.
The chapter can be organized depending on the theme, the time period method, variables, or methodologies studied. For instance, one section may discuss studies related to profitability, whereas a different section could focus on liquidity and another on operational efficiency.
This structure helps evaluators understand that you are not just copying content. You are actually studying it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style is to be professional but easy. Avoid heavy language and unnecessary terms. IGNOU places emphasis on clarity over complexity.
Each study you present should be accompanied by the name of the author, year of study, research objectives, methods, and principal findings. Do not, however, list them mechanically. You should try to link one study with the other.
If you're discussing one study, you could be able to mention that another author's findings backed or challenged those findings. This type of analysis adds depth to your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
The most common error is writing the literature review in the form of it is a textbook chapter. Explaining basic concepts such as how accounting works or the meaning of management is not a good idea in this article unless they are directly linked to other studies.
Another mistake is to use too many quotes. Your literature review should be written in you own language. The use of paraphrasing indicates understanding, whereas copying demonstrates dependency.
Many students do not connect sources to their own research field. Every research you present should have a clear connection to your research goals.
Connection of Literature Review with Research Gap
One of important results of the examination of literature is identifying the gap in research. IGNOU evaluaters want you to show what earlier researchers missed or where more research is required.
After looking over several studies, you'll find that a lot of studies centered on large organizations but small companies were neglected. Or that earlier studies used secondary data but primary data was not enough.
This gap serves as the rationale for your IGNOU mcom project. Without it, your project will appear to be repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
In writing a review of literature It is vital to have a correct citation. IGNOU generally supports APA style, however it is more about consistency than perfection.
Each study covered must appear in the list of references at the end of the study. Missing references create doubts about authenticity.
Do not use footnotes for literature reviews. The in-text citation is better and is more professional in an IGNOU MCOM project report [behnst.com] MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of the length of their review on literature ought to run. There's no standard rule, but for an ignou assignment in mcom, this chapter usually spans from fifteen cents up to two thousand words.
The length of the discussion should be based on the subject's complexity. A more broad subject requires more research, while a concentrated topic will require less but more extensive discussions.
A review that is too long and without an analysis won't help marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing like this
Author A looked into the bank's performance, and found positive results
Write like this
Author A conducted a research study on banking performance by using financial ratios. He concluded that profitability increased due to improved asset management. This finding was later supported by Author B who also emphasized the role played by operational efficiency in improving returns for banks.
This is an approach that demonstrates 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 get cancelled or delayed due copied literature reviews. Even if you cite previous studies, the language needs to reflect your unique style.
Make use of plagiarism checking tools whenever possible, and modify content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect can be better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou-mcom project, go back through the review of literature carefully. Examine whether every study is relevant, if the flow is rational, and whether the chapters naturally connect to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter give a rationale for the reasons why my study is required. If the answer is yes your study's literature reviews are on the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature for an ignou mcom project can be a challenge at first, especially for students returning to academics following a gap. But once you know that it's about analysis and connections rather than memorization, it is a lot easier.
Do your best to read, think, and write in your unique voice. This is reflected into the final version of your work. This often is the difference between one that is average and a solid one.