For many students enrolled in IGNOU and IGNOU, the study of literature becomes the most confusing aspect of the work. This is particularly true for those working on the ignou master’s degree project where academic rigor is expected, however guidance often feels limited. Students often ask if they need to summarize books, make journal articles more readable, or simply gather quotations. In reality, there is a place between, and understanding that differences can affect the quality of the entire project.
A review of literature is NOT written to illustrate how much of the literature you’ve read. It’s written to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the current research related to your area of study and how your project fits in. IGNOU reviewers are attentive to this chapter since it showcases your ability to link the theory and research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before beginning any writing, it important to be aware of the reason this chapter is essential to an ignou MCOM project. The literature review serves three main goals.
First, it demonstrates that the subject you have chosen was studied before and has relevance to academic research. Second, it helps you discern gaps or deficiencies in prior research. Thirdly it helps you establish a base for your research objectives and methodological.
Many students approach this chapter as a formality, and take content from other assignments or web-based sources. This practice usually leads to lower marks or rejection of projects. IGNOU will require original content even when addressing existing research.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn’t expect students to write on the scale of an PhD thesis. While doing so, very basic explanations are prohibited. For a project involving ignou MCOM the literature review should reflect postgraduate level understanding.
You will be required to read books, research papers or reports, journals and sometimes, government publications related to your area of study. The study should focus on topics that directly pertain to your area of study.
For example, if your research focuses on the financial performance of banks the literature review should be focused on previous studies concerning financial ratios performances of banks, profitability studies, and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
A common mistake made by students is choosing too many different sources. Quality is more important than quantity. For an ignou project, around fifteen to twenty powerful sources are generally enough should they be selected carefully.
The best sources are academic journals reliable books from well-known authors, RBI papers, official reports and university level research papers. Websites that lack clarity on the author should be avoided.
Always pick studies from recent years that are from the last ten years. Studies from the past can be considered only if they’re fundamental in study.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized and organized chapter enhances understanding and perception. Instead of composing random summaries, divide sections of the review in sensible sections.
It is possible to organize the chapter by theme, time period and methodology or even variables the authors have studied. For example, one section might discuss studies on profit, while another could concentrate on liquidity, and yet another focus on efficiency in operations.
This structure makes it easier for evaluators to see that you are not just copying content, but actually analyzing it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The writing style is to be professional but easy. Avoid a heavy use of language or unnecessary jargon. IGNOU believes in simplicity over complexity.
Every research you share should include the name of the author as well as the year of study, the objective, methodology, as well as major findings. Be careful not to list the findings in a way that is purely mechanical. You should try to link one study to another.
For instance, after discussing one study, it is possible to highlight how another author’s study supported the results or countered them. This approach of comparing studies adds depth to your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
One of the most frequent mistakes is to write the literature review as an academic chapter. Discussing fundamental concepts like the definition of accounting or the meaning of management are not needed here unless directly linked to studies that have been done previously.
Another mistake is to use too many quotes. Your literature review should be written in Your own voice. Paraphrasing shows understanding, while copying indicates dependence.
Students are also prone to not linking books to their own research field. Each study you reference should have a clear connection your project objectives.
Linking Literature Review with Research Gap
One of the most significant outcomes of the review of literature is identifying the research gap. IGNOU evaluations expect you to show what earlier researchers missed and where further research is required.
In the course of discussing several studies it is possible to observe that the majority research focused on large organizations as small businesses were left out. And earlier studies used secondary data while primary data was limited.
This gap serves as the rationale for your Ingou MCOM project. Without it, your project could appear monotonous.
Use of Citations and Referencing
While writing the review of literature the proper citation is crucial. IGNOU generally supports APA style, however consistent writing is more important than flawlessness.
Each research study should be included in the reference list at the conclusion of the project. Lack of references could raise doubts over authenticity.
Avoid footnotes during a literature review. In text citation works better and appears more professional in an IGNOU MCOM project topics (https://quantumvarsity.com/how-to-write-an-m-com-project-for-ignou-university/) MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of the writing review must last. There’s no definitive rule but for an for an mcom project, the length generally spans from fifteen to or two thousand words.
The length should depend on your topic’s complexity. A broad topic will require more research, while a particular topic will require fewer, but deeper discussions.
A review that is too long and without analysis does not improve marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing like this
Author A studied the bank’s performance, and found positive results
Create this type of writing
Autor A performed a study examining the performance of banks using financial ratios and found that profitability improved thanks to better asset control. This was later validated by Author B who also emphasized the importance of operational efficiency when it comes to improving bank profits.
This strategy demonstrates understanding and analysis, which is essential to an mcom project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU is a firm believer in plagiarism. Many projects are refused or delayed because of published literature reviews that have been copied. Even if you reference previous studies, the language has to be distinctly yours.
Check for plagiarism using tools if feasible and revise content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect is better than perfect copied.
Final Review Before Submission
Prior to submitting your ignou mcom research, read through the review carefully. Review each article to determine if it is relevant, whether the flow of information is clear and if the chapter naturally leads to your research goals.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this section explain the reason why my research is important. If yes then your study’s literature reviews are on the right track.
Closing Thoughts
Writing a review of literature for a ignou mcom project might be difficult at first especially for those who return to academics after a gap. When you understand that it’s focused on connection and analysis rather than memorization, the task is easy to handle.
Be sure to read, think and write in your unique voice. The effort you put into it will show clearly on the final piece and often determines the difference between being a weak submission and an average one. impressive one.