There are many students who enroll in IGNOU reviews of literature can be the most elusive section of the work. This is especially the case for students working on the ignou mcom course, where academic depth is expected, however guidance often appears to be limited. Students usually ask whether they need to summarize books, revise journal articles, or simply gather quotes. The truth lies somewhere between, and understanding that difference can change the overall quality of the project.
Literature reviews are not a report of the amount of material you've read. It is written to show how well you have grasped the previous work that pertains to the subject you are researching and how your project fits within it. IGNOU assessment experts are attuned to this chapter, as it illustrates your ability to link the research directions with your theory.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before writing anything, it is important to understand why this particular chapter is required in an ignou mcom project. The review of literature serves three primary purposes.
First, it demonstrates that the topic you selected was studied before and has a scholarly significance. Furthermore, it will help you discover gaps or issues in earlier studies. It also provides the foundation for your research goals and methods.
Students often view this chapter as a formality, and duplicate content from previous assignments or online sources. This approach usually results in lower marks or rejection of projects. IGNOU demands original writing even when presenting existing work.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn't expect students to write on the scale of an PhD thesis. While doing so simple explanations are not permitted. For an ignou MCOM project the literature review should reflect postgraduate-level understanding.
The expectation is to look over research papers, books and reports, as well as journals and occasionally, government publications that relate to your topic. The emphasis should be placed on studies which are directly related to your area of study.
In the case of example, if your research focuses on the financial performance of banks, then your literature review should concentrate on studies that have been conducted previously concerning financial ratios banking performance, profitability analysis and risk evaluation.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake that students make is deciding to use too many disparate sources. The quality of the information is more important than the quantity. If you are looking to build an ignou mcom business roughly fifteen to twenty strong sources are usually enough provided they are selected with care.
A good source is academic journals, reputed books by known creators, RBI publications, federal reports and university research papers. Websites that lack clarity on the author should be avoided.
Always prefer recent studies particularly those that have been published in the last ten years. More recent studies can be added only if the studies are fundamental in way.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well organized chapter improves comprehension and makes a good impression. Instead of composing random summaries of the work, break down the literature review into sensible sections.
You can arrange the chapter depending on the theme, the time period methods, or variables the authors have studied. For example, one section could discuss research related to profitability, while another could focus on liquidity while the other concerning operational efficiency.
This structure makes it easier for evaluators to see that you're not copying content. You are actually studying it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing must be formal but not abrasive. Avoid overly complicated language and language. IGNOU places emphasis on clarity over complexity.
Every study you review should include the name of the author as well as year of study, objective, methodology, as well as principal findings. However, do not list them in a linear manner. Try to connect one study with a different one.
For example, after analyzing an article, you can be able to mention that another author's findings backed or disputed those findings. This way of looking at comparisons adds the depth of your ignou MCOM project work IGNOU (click for more info) project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
One of the most frequent mistakes is to write the literature review like the kind of chapter in a textbook. The need to explain the fundamental concepts like the definition of accounting, or the meaning of management isn't appropriate in this section unless it is directly connected to previous research.
Another error is overquoting. Your review of literature should be written by you in the style of your personal words. The use of paraphrasing indicates understanding, whereas copying demonstrates dependency.
Students often fail to connect studies to their own research topic. Each study you reference should be clearly connected to the research goals.
Linking Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the most significant outcomes of reviewing the literature is identifying the gap in research. IGNOU examiners are expecting you to explain what the previous researchers missed or where more research is required.
In a discussion of multiple studies you may observe that most research focused on large firms however small companies were unaddressed. The earlier studies also used secondary data but primary data was limited.
This is a reason for your project in the ignou mcom. Without it, your project will appear to be repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When writing a review of literature An accurate citation is imperative. IGNOU generally follows APA style, but consistency is more important than perfect.
Each study that is discussed should be included in the list of references at the end of the study. Any missing references cast doubt on the authenticity.
Don't use footnotes to review literature. Citations in text work better and appears more professional in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students often ask how long an essay on literature should run. There's no set timeframe to follow, but for an to do an MCOM project the chapter typically spans from fifteen hundred or two thousand words.
The length should depend on what the topic's difficulty. The more expansive topic requires more research while a specific topic requires fewer but more in-depth discussions.
Writing excessively long reviews without analysis does not improve marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing this way,
Author A studied the performance of banks and came up with positive results
Write it like this
Autor A conducted a study of banking performance based on financial ratios. She found that profitability improved because of improved asset management. This result was later confirmed by Author B who stressed the role of operational efficiency in increasing returns for banks.
This method is based on an understanding and analysis that is appreciated in an MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism seriously. Many projects are rejected or delayed due to review of literature that has been copied. Even if you cite previous studies, the terminology is yours.
Make use of plagiarism-checking tools if you can and then rewrite the content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect is superior to copied perfection.
Final Review Before Submission
Before you submit your ignou mcom project, make sure you read the literature review thoroughly. Verify that each research is relevant, whether the flow of information is clear, and whether the chapter leads naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter help explain the reasons for my research. If the answer is yes your literature review is on the right track.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature for an ignou mcom project may feel challenging at first particularly for those returning back to their academics after a period of. Once you realize that it's focused on connection and analysis rather than memorization, the project becomes doable.
Take time to read, consider, and write in your own voice. The result of your efforts will be apparent in the final draft and often the difference is between two submissions: a standard one and a well-crafted one.
