There are many students who enroll in IGNOU The review of studies can be the most challenging element of the project. This is especially the case for those who are working on an ignou project for mcom, where academic depth is expected. However, the direction often isn't clear. Students are often asked if they are required to summarize books or amend journal articles, and simply collect quotes. The reality lies somewhere in between, and understanding that a distinction could alter the overall quality of the project.
A literature review is not written to reveal the amount of material you've read. It is written to show how much you comprehend works that are currently being done on the topic you're researching and how your project is a part of it. IGNOU examiners examine this chapter since it showcases your ability to connect knowledge with research directions.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before you begin writing any article, it is crucial to understand why the section exists in an ignou MCOM project. Literature reviews serve three main purposes.
It first shows that the subject you chose already has been explored and has academic relevance. It also helps you find gaps or weaknesses in previous studies. Thirdly, it serves as an overview of your research objectives and methodology.
Students often view this chapter as a formality and copy content from their previous projects or sources on the internet. This is a common practice that results in negative marks or project rejection. IGNOU requires original work even in discussions of studies already completed.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU does not expect students to write on the scale of the PhD thesis. However those who write merely to explain their ideas are too much to be avoided. For an ignou MCOM project the literature review should reflect postgraduate knowledge.
You're required to read books, research papers journals, reports and sometimes even government publications related to your subject. The focus should be on studies that directly pertain to your research field.
For example, if you research is focused on the financial performance of banks If so, your literature analysis will focus on prior studies regarding financial ratios bank performance, profitability analysis, and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake made by students is selecting a lot of unrelated sources. Quality is more important than quantity. For a project involving ignou mcom anywhere between fifteen and twenty quality sources are usually sufficient for a good selection.
A good source is academic journals, reputed books by known the authors RBI newspapers, report from government agencies, and even university research papers. Websites with unclear authorship should be avoided.
Always look for studies that are more recent, ideally from the last ten years. Some older studies are acceptable only if the studies are fundamental in the sense that they are fundamental in.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized section improves quality of reading and impression. Instead of writing random summaries, break up sections of the review in logical sections.
You could organize the chapter by theme, time period as well as the methodology or variables studied. For instance, one chapter may examine studies that pertain to profitability, another may focus on liquidity and another one on operational efficiency.
This format helps evaluaters understand that you're more than just taking content and copying it, but also analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing should be academic but simple. Avoid using a lot of words and jargon. IGNOU is a firm believer in simplicity over clarity.
Each study you discuss should include the author name, the year of study, the objective, methodology, and principal findings. Be careful not to list them in a logical manner. Do your best to link one study to another.
For instance, following discussion of some study, you can discuss how a different author's findings supported and/or refuted the findings. This kind of approach can add the depth of your ignou project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
A common error is writing the literature review like a textbook chapter. It is important to clarify the basic concepts, such as definition of accounting or meaning of management is not a good idea in this article unless they are directly linked to other studies.
Another error is over-quoting. Your review of literature should be written in one's own terms. Reading from the source shows understanding, and copying indicates dependence.
Students often fail to connect literature with their own research subject. Every study you reference must have a clear connection the goals of your project.
Links Literature Review with Research Gap
One of most important results of the examination of literature is to identify the research gap. IGNOU evaluators expect you to reveal what previous researchers did not know or indicate where additional research is needed.
After having discussed a myriad of studies you'll notice that the majority of research focused on large firms, while small firms were ignored. Additionally, previous studies utilized secondary data while primary data was not enough.
This is why it's the main reason for your ignou mcom project. Without it, your program could appear to be repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing the review of literature the proper citation is crucial. IGNOU generally accepts APA style, however consistency is more important than perfect.
Each study mentioned must be listed in the list of references at the end of the study. References that are not included raise doubts about authenticity.
Avoid footnotes when reviewing literature. A citation in text works better and is cleaner when used in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of the reviews of books should last. There isn't a set rule that can be followed, however for an for an mcom project, the length typically runs from fifteen hundred -two thousand words.
The length should be determined by your topic's complexity. A more broad subject requires additional research while a narrowly focused subject requires less but deeper discussions.
Writing lengthy reviews that are not needed without any analysis doesn't increase marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing as this
Author A conducted a study of banking's performance and obtained good results
Write this way
Author A carried out a study on banking performance by using financial ratios. He concluded that profitability improved due to improved asset management. This result was later confirmed by Author B who highlighted the role played by the efficiency of operations in enhancing bank returns.
This approach emphasizes an understanding and analysis that is highly valued in an mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are delayed or rejected due to plagiarism in literature reviews. However, even if you use earlier studies, the language ought to be uniquely yours.
Use plagiarism checking tools if possible. Then, rewrite the content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is superior to copied perfection.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou mcom project, read the review carefully. Verify that each research is relevant, whether your flow follows logically, and whether the chapter naturally leads to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter explain the reasons why my study is required. If the answer is yes, then your review on literature will be in the best path.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature as part of an IGNOU MCOM project topics (Full Piece of writing) master's thesis isn't easy at first particularly for students returning into academics after a time off. If you can realize that it is all about connection and analysis rather than memorization, the task is easy to handle.
Make time to read, consider, and write with your own voice. It is reflected clearly in your final product and often is the difference between being a weak submission and an average one. outstanding one.
