For many students who are enrolled in IGNOU MCOM project help (https://indianhandicraftitems.com/how-to-write-an-m-com-project-for-ignou-university-4/) and IGNOU, the study of literature can be the most confusing portion of their work. This is especially the case for those who are working on the ignou mcom course, where academic rigor is expected, yet guidance frequently isn’t as clear. Students typically ask if they should summarize their books, revise journal articles, or simply collect quotations. The truth lies somewhere between, and understanding how different approaches can impact the quality of the entire project.
A review of literature is not written to reveal the amount of material you’ve read. It’s written to demonstrate your understanding of the previous work that pertains to the topic you’re studying and how your project is integrated into it. IGNOU assessment experts are attuned to this chapter as it shows your ability to link theories with research direction.
Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature
Before completing any work, it important to be aware of the reason this chapter is necessary in an ignou mcom project. Literature reviews serve three primary purposes.
It first shows that the subject you chose has been studied earlier and has academic relevance. Second, it aids you find gaps or weaknesses in earlier research. Third, it provides an understanding of research goals and methods.
Many students see this chapter as a formality and copy content from previous assignments or other online sources. The result is usually negative marks or project rejection. IGNOU demands original writing even when discussing previous studies.
What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review
IGNOU doesn’t expect students to write on the scale of the PhD thesis. However the use of very basic explanations is being discouraged. In the case of an ignou mcom assignment, the review of literature should reflect an understanding of postgraduate levels.
You are expected to review research papers, books, journals, reports, and, sometimes, government publications relevant with your field. The main focus should be on those studies that directly connect with your research field.
If, for instance, your research is focused on the financial performance of banks and banks, then your literature search should focus on prior research concerning financial ratios financial performance, profitability analysis and risk assessment.
Selecting Relevant Literature Sources
One common mistake students make is selecting a lot of unrelated sources. Quantity is not as important as quality. In the case of an ignou MCOM project it is recommended that you use between 15 and 20 powerful sources are generally enough if they are well chosen.
An excellent source of information is academic journals and reputable books written by well-known writers, RBI newspapers, report from government agencies, and university research papers. Websites that have unclear authorship should be avoided.
Always prefer recent studies especially those from the past 10 years. Older studies can be included in the event that they are fundamental in their nature.
Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter
A well-organized chapter increases understanding and perception. Instead of composing random summaries and essays, you should divide the literature review into logical sections.
You can organize the chapter depending on the theme, the time period, methodology, or variables that are studied. For example, one section might discuss studies on profitability, whereas a different section could focus on liquidity and the third concerning operational efficiency.
This structure aids in understanding that you’re not simply copying content. You are actually studying it.
Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review
The style of writing must be formal but not abrasive. Avoid a lot of language and vocabulary. IGNOU seeks simplicity above all else.
The study you are discussing should include the name of the author, year of study, objective, methodology, as well as the major findings. Don’t mention them mechanically. Do your best to link one study with another.
For instance, following discussion of one study, it is possible to mention how another author supported or refuted these findings. This method of comparison adds an additional dimension to your ignou mcom project.
Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes
An error that is often made is to write the literature review as a textbook chapter. The need to explain the fundamental concepts like the definition of accounting and the meaning of management does not belong in this section unless it is directly connected to prior studies.
Another mistake is to use too many quotes. Your review of literature should be written by you in Your own voice. Writing in a paraphrase shows comprehension, whereas copying indicates dependence.
They are also often unable to link works to their research field. Every study you reference must have a clear connection to your objectives for your project.
Linking Literature Review with Research Gap
The most important result of the study of literature is to identify the research gap. IGNOU evaluaters want you to reveal what previous researchers did not know or indicate areas where further research is required.
After reviewing a number of studies, you’ll see that most studies centered on large organizations in contrast to small businesses being neglected. And earlier studies used secondary data, while primary data was not as extensive.
This void is the reason for your project in the ignou mcom. Without it, your project may seem repetitive.
Use of Citations and Referencing
When writing the review of literature the proper citation is crucial. IGNOU generally recognizes APA style, however consistency is more important than perfect.
Every study to be discussed must be included in the reference list at the conclusion of the project. The absence of references can raise doubts regarding authenticity.
Don’t use footnotes to review literature. The in-text citation is better and looks cleaner in an ignou MCOM project.
Length of Review of Literature Chapter
Students frequently ask what the length of an essay on literature should run. There’s no standard rule in the case of an ignou for an mcom project, the length typically ranges from fifteen hundred to two thousand words.
The length should be determined by your topic’s complexity. A topic that is more extensive requires more research. A specific topic requires fewer but more extensive discussions.
Writing unnecessarily long reviews without the ability to analyze them does not boost marks.
Example of Literature Review Writing Approach
Instead of writing this way,
Author A has studied bank performance and came across positive results
Write like this
The author A conducted research on banking performance using financial ratios and found that profitability improved because of better asset management. This conclusion was later confirmed by Author B in his study, who focused on the role of operational efficiency in boosting returns for banks.
This approach displays the ability to analyze and comprehend, which is valued in an ignou MCOM project.
Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects get cancelled or delayed due plagiarism in literature reviews. Even if your reference is to earlier studies, the language will have to match your own.
Utilize plagiarism checking software if possible. Then, rewrite the content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed will be more appealing than perfect copying.
Final Review Before Submission
Before submitting your ignou mcom project, read the literature review thoroughly. You should determine whether the research is relevant, whether the flow of information is clear and if the chapter leads naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter provide a reason the reasons why my study is required. If yes, then this review of literature is definitely on the right path.
Closing Thoughts
Reviewing literature for an ignou MCOM project may be daunting at first in particular for students who are returning to school after a break. But once you understand that it is more about analysis and connecting than memorizing information, the task is manageable.
Take time to read, think, and write in your unique voice. Your effort is evident in the final project and can make the difference between two submissions: a standard one and a strong one.