If you are asking anyone IGNOU M.Com student what worries them the most about their final year they will not answer that of the theory papers. The answer is usually the project. Not because it is impossible, but simply because nobody can explain it in an easy, concrete way. It's formal in nature, the language used at university seems distant Seniors often state, "Bas format follow karo." This guidance is a bit vague.
An M.Com project at IGNOU Project MCOM (this page) does not focus on displaying amazing research abilities. It's about proving that you are knowledgeable about your subject enough to understand a particular issue, critically analyze it and present the findings in order. Once you understand this mindset and the process becomes manageable, it is easier to complete. This article explains how to write an M.Com course for IGNOU University step by step and without complicating the process.
IGNOU does not expect you to submit a PhD thesis. However it doesn't accept any work that is copied and pasted. The project is somewhere in between. The university is trying to understand three issues clearly.
First, do you understand the topic you have chosen. Third, if you're able to discover and analyse relevant data. Thirdly, if you are able to describe your findings in an logical and organised way.
Students lose marks in many cases not simply because the subject is not good enough and their targets and analysis as well as their conclusions don't match. IGNOU examiners see this issue very quickly.
Topic selection is where a lot of students get it wrong. Either they select something that is too broad or something that appears attractive, but is not accessible data. Both will cause problems in the future.
A great M.Com Project topic should include:
Connected to your syllabus
It is narrow enough to permit proper studying
The data is available and supported
For example, "A Study of Marketing Strategies" is not clear enough. "A Study on Marketing Strategies of Patanjali Products in Urban Areas" is still risky If you don't have any data. A better alternative is "A Study on Consumer Perception Towards Patanjali Products in [City Name]."
Always ask yourself one simple question prior to deciding upon a topic: Can I realistically get this information in the time I have and with my resources? If the answer is unclear, rethink the topic.
IGNOU requires approval of the synopsis prior to the project is completed. Many students rush through this part and regret it later. The synopsis is not one-page document. It's the piece of paper on the basis of which all your work will be evaluated.
A standard M.Com summary of the project for IGNOU includes:
The study's title
Introduction
A description of the issue
Objectives
Research method
Scope and limitations
Chapter scheme
References
The goals should be clear and limited in number. Three to five objectives is ideal. Writing ten objectives only creates confusion during analysis. After the synopsis is accepted it is best to avoid changing the subject or methodology. Major deviations often lead to rejection during the evaluation.
IGNOU uses a standard academic structure. You do not gain extra marks by experimenting with different formats. Use what's working.
This chapter clarifies what research focuses on and why it is important. It also explains the background to the topic, the problem statement, goals, scope and limitations.
The statement of problem should not be a dramatic statement. It should be a simple explanation of the gap or issue the study is addressing. Objectives should be stated clearly and in a direct manner. This chapter is where you set the direction for all of the project. Hence, clarity here will save you trouble later on.
The review of the literature proves the research you're doing is not an isolated manner. It summarizes the previous research that is related to the subject you are working on. These could include journal articles or theses, reports, or even research published.
Each chapter should be concisely described. Make sure you don't overload this chapter with unnecessary information. The goal is to highlight what's been done and how your project can fit within. Ending the chapter with a concise summary of the earlier research and your current research adds value to the section.
This is among the most important chapters from an evaluation point of from a scholarly point of. It describes how the study was conducted.
It is essential to clearly identify:
Research design
Sources of data (primary and secondary)
The size of the sample and sampling method
Tools used for data collection
The methods used to analyze
If you used questionnaires, be sure to mention the method by which you distributed them and whom. If you used other data, list the sources. Avoid vague explanations. Precision here builds credibility.
This chapter will carry the full weight of your project. The data should be presented in tables, charts, or graphs if required. The most important thing is that every table must be accompanied by interpreters.
Many students make the mistake of explicating what the table will show instead of understanding what it is. Interpretation must link the data with the aims of the study. If the study's primary goal is to measure customer satisfaction interpretation should clearly state what the data tells us about satisfaction levels.
This chapter summarizes the findings of the research. Findings should be documented point-wise and directly determined from the analysis. Suggestions must be realistic and based on research findings, not personal opinion.
The conclusion should briefly restate its purpose and the overall findings. Be careful not to introduce new data or arguments in this section. A short conclusion makes greater impression than a lengthy conclusion.
IGNOU prefers simple, clear academic language. You do not need complex vocabulary. The important thing is whether your ideas are simple to understand.
You should use the third person. Maintain consistency in tense. Avoid emotional words. In the same way, do not write like you're writing for a machine. Natural flow with clarified explanations works best.
The format of your paper should be based on standard academic norms:
A4 size paper
1-inch margins
12-point font
1.5 line spacing
Numbering of pages in the correct way
Tables and figures need to be labeled and numbered. References must be cited consistently.
Plagiarism is among the most serious risks. Copying material directly from websites or past projects is easily detectable. Even when plagiarism software isn't employed, the examiners will be able to identify the same content.
Another common error is a poor alignment. Goals are a good starting point, but analyses show something completely different, and conclusions refer to something entirely different. This suggests poor planning.
Not observing synopsis approval criteria and submitting a project that differs dramatically from the approved model could result in problems.
Before you submit, go through the entire document, not chapter by chapter. Check whether the flow makes sense. Verify tables, references, and formatting. Verify that declarations, certificates acknowledgments and declarations are included as per IGNOU specifications.
A neat and organized project on time will reduce anxiety at the conclusion.
Writing for an M.Com work for IGNOU University is less about the ability to think and an exercise in discipline. Students who have a plan in place early, stick to approved guidelines and are able to write clearly rarely find themselves in the position of being rejected. The project is an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of commerce subjects, not a test of the latest research terminology.