For a lot of students studying at IGNOU The review of literature can be the most complicated portion of their work. This is especially true for students working on the ignou master's degree project where academic rigor is expected but guidance often isn't clear. Students often ask if they are required to summarize books or amend journal articles, and simply collect quotes. The reality lies somewhere in between, and understanding that differences can affect the overall quality of the project.

A literature review is NOT written to illustrate how much of the literature you've read. It is written to show how well you comprehend works that are currently being done on the topic you're studying and how your project is a part of it. IGNOU evaluaters pay close attention to this chapter because it reflects your ability to link concepts with research direction.

Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature

Before you write anything, it is crucial to comprehend why this chapter is needed in an ignou mcom project. The literature review serves three major purposes.

In the first place, it indicates that the subject you have chosen has been previously studied in the academic world and is relevant to research. The second is that it assists you to determine the gaps or shortcomings in previous studies. In addition, it can provide the basis for your research objectives and your methodology.

Students often view this chapter as a formality, and copy content from previous projects or other sources online. This approach usually results in negative marks or project rejection. IGNOU MCOM project submission guide requires original work even in discussions of studies already completed.

What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review

IGNOU does not require students to write on the scale of the PhD thesis. At the same time simple explanations are also not recommended. When a ignou mcom project is being developed, the review of literature must reflect the postgraduate understanding.

You will be required to read books, research papers or reports, journals and sometimes even government publications related to your research area. The main focus should be on those studies that directly connect with the research area you are studying.

If, for instance, your task is to study the financial performance of banks the literature review should include earlier studies regarding financial ratios profitability analysis, banking performance and risk evaluation.

Selecting Relevant Literature Sources

The most common mistake students make is to select too many irrelevant sources. The quality of the information is more important than the quantity. For an ignou project approximately fifteen to twenty powerful sources are generally enough in the event that they are carefully selected.

A good source is academic journals and reputable books written by well-known author, RBI documents, Government reports and even university research papers. Websites with unclear authorship should be avoided.

The best studies are those that are current most likely from the past 10 years. Other studies from the past may be considered but only if it is foundational in their nature.

Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter

A well-organized and organized chapter enhances perception and readability. Instead of composing random summaries and essays, you should divide an overview of literature into logical sections.

You can structure the chapter around themes, a time period methods, or variables the authors have studied. For instance, one chapter might discuss studies on profits, whereas another may focus on liquidity and the third focused on the efficiency of operations.

This structure can help evaluators realize that you're more than just copying content but analyzing it.

Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review

The style of writing is to be professional but easy. Beware of a long, rambling style and unnecessary words. IGNOU places emphasis on clarity over complexity.

Each study you discuss should include the name of the author, year of study, goals, methodology, as well as significant findings. However, don't list them chronologically. It is best to connect one study with the other.

When you've discussed some study, you can refer to how an author's findings were supported and/or refuted the findings. This kind of approach can add depth to your ignou MCOM project.

Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes

A common error is to write the literature review like the kind of chapter in a textbook. The need to explain the fundamental concepts like definition of accounting or meaning of management is not a good idea in this article unless they are directly linked in previous studies.

Another mistake is to use too many quotes. Your literature review should be written by you in yourself. Paraphrasing shows understanding, while using copying can show dependency.

Students should also make sure to link publications to their personal research topics. Any study you discuss must be clearly linked to your research goals.

Connecting Literature Review with Research Gap

One of the most significant results of a review of literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU examiners are expecting you to reveal what previous researchers did not know or indicate areas where further research is required.

After looking over several studies, you'll realize that most research focused on large organizations however small companies were neglected. Also, earlier studies employed secondary data, however primary data were not sufficient.

The gap in the picture is the reason for your IGNOU mcom project. Without it, your project will appear monotonous.

Use of Citations and Referencing

When writing a review of literature It is vital to have a correct citation. IGNOU generally supports APA style, but the consistency is more important than perfection.

All studies discussed must be included in the list of references at the conclusion of the project. Missing references create doubts about authenticity.

Do not use footnotes for literature reviews. A citation in text works better and is cleaner when used in an ignou mcom project.

Length of Review of Literature Chapter

Students often inquire about how long the length of their review on literature ought to run. There isn't a set rule, but for an ignou MCOM project, the length of this chapter typically runs from fifteen hundred -two thousand words.

The length should be determined by the subject's complexity. A broader topic requires more research. A specific topic requires fewer but deeper discussions.

A review that is too long and without analyses does not increase marks.

Example of Literature Review Writing Approach

Instead of writing this way,
Author A looked into the bank's performance, and found positive results

Write this in the same way as
This author conducted research on the performance of banks using financial ratios. It concluded that profitability increased due to improved asset management. This conclusion was later validated by Author B who highlighted the role played by operational efficiency in increasing return on investment for banks.

This approach reflects an understanding and analysis that is considered important in an ignou MCOM project.

Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity

IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are refused or delayed because of duplicated literature reviews. However, even if you use past studies, your language must be your own.

Use plagiarism detection tools if possible, and modify content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect is better than copied perfection.

Final Review Before Submission

Before you submit your ignou mcom project, go back through the literature review attentively. Check whether each study is relevant, if you can follow the logic of the review and whether the chapter leads naturally to your research objectives.

Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter explain the reason for why I need to study it. If the answer is yes this review of literature is definitely on the right path.

Closing Thoughts

Writing a review of literature as part of an ignou master's thesis is not easy at first particularly for those returning to academics following a gap. But once you recognize that it is about connection and analysis, rather than memorization, the task is a lot easier.

You should take the time to read, consider, and write in your own voice. Your effort is evident in the final work. It can make the difference between one that is average and a impressive one.