For many students in IGNOU reviews of research becomes the most confusing aspect of the work. This is especially the case for those working on an ignou mcom assignment, where academic depth is expected. However, instruction often isn't as clear. Students generally ask whether they must write summaries of books, modify journal articles, or simply gather quotes. The reality is somewhere between, and knowing that the difference can impact the quality of the entire project.

A literature review is not meant to display the amount of material you've read. It is written to show how much you comprehend works that are currently being done on the subject you are researching and how your project is integrated into it. IGNOU assessors scrutinize this chapter as it shows your ability to connect theory with research direction.

Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature

Before you begin writing any article, it is crucial to comprehend why this section is part of an ignou MCOM project. Literature review serves three primary functions.

First, it shows that the subject you chose has been previously studied and has academic relevance. Second, it aids you determine the gaps or shortcomings in previous studies. Thirdly, it establishes the foundation for your research objectives and methodology.

Many students approach this chapter as a formality and take content from other projects or other sources online. This usually leads to small marks or project failure. IGNOU is seeking original and unique writing even in discussions of studies already completed.

What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review

IGNOU does not require students to write on the scale of an PhD thesis. On the other hand it is recommended that students write in a simple way. discouraged. In an IGNOU MCOM project synopsis project, the review of literature should reflect postgraduate-level understanding.

You're required to read research papers, books Journals, reports, and even government publications pertaining to your topic. The concentration should be on the studies that directly connect with the area of your study.

If, for instance, your project focuses on the performance of financials of banks Then your literature review should examine earlier research that dealt with financial ratios, the performance of banks, profitability analysis, and risk evaluation.

Selecting Relevant Literature Sources

One common mistake students make is picking too many unrelated sources. Quantity is not as important as quality. For an ignou project it is recommended that you use between 15 and 20 good sources can be found should they be selected carefully.

The best sources are academic journals well-known books written by renowned names, RBI publications, government reports, as well as university research papers. Websites with ambiguous authorship should be avoided.

The best studies are those that are current at least from the last 10 years. Some older studies are acceptable in the event that they are fundamental in way.

Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter

A well-organized section improves quality of reading and impression. Instead of composing random summaries and essays, you should divide chapters of a literature analysis into logical sections.

You can structure the chapter using themes, period and methodology or even variables to be studied. For instance, one chapter may examine studies that pertain to the profitability of a business, while another section may concentrate on liquidity and the third one on operational efficiency.

This structure makes it easier for evaluators to see that you're not replicating content but are actually analyzing it.

Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review

The writing style is to be professional but easy. Avoid heavy language and unnecessary vocabulary. IGNOU favors clarity over complexity.

Every research you share should include the name of the author, the year of study, the objective, methodology, as well as the major findings. However, do not list them in a logical manner. Do your best to link one study with a different one.

In the case of discussing your findings from one study, be able to mention that another author's findings backed and/or refuted the findings. This approach of comparing studies adds the depth of your ignou 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 how accounting works or the meaning of management isn't appropriate in this section unless it is directly connected to previous research.

Another mistake is excessive quoting. Your review of literature should be written by you in an individual way. In the end, paraphrasing is an indication of understanding, while copying implies dependence.

They also fail to link literature with their own research field. Each study you discuss should have a clear link to the research goals.

Interlinking Literature Review with Research Gap

One of the most important results of a review of literature is identifying the gap in research. IGNOU evaluations expect you to demonstrate what researchers in the past did not realize or indicate where additional research is required.

After having discussed a myriad of studies you may observe that most research focused on large organizations but small companies were absent. The earlier studies also used secondary data but primary data was not as extensive.

This is a reason for your initiative with ignou MCOM. Without it, your project could appear to be repetitive.

Use of Citations and Referencing

While writing the review of literature an appropriate citation is required. IGNOU generally follows APA style, but quality is more important than consistency.

Each study covered must appear in the reference list at the end of the study. Without references, there is a chance to doubt the authenticity.

Avoid footnotes when reviewing literature. In text citations work better and is more professional in an ignou mcom project.

Length of Review of Literature Chapter

Students often ask how long their literature reviews should run. There isn't a set rule and for an ignou mcom project, this chapter typically ranges from fifteen hundred and two thousand words.

The length of the discussion should be based on topic complexity. A larger topic demands more studies, while a targeted topic requires fewer, but more extensive discussions.

Writing excessively long reviews without analysis is not going to improve your marks.

Example of Literature Review Writing Approach

Instead of writing as this
Author A looked into the performance of banks and came up with positive results

Write in this manner
Write as this: Author A conducted an investigation on bank performance by using financial ratios. He concluded that profitability improved thanks to better asset control. This conclusion was later validated by Author B in his study, who focused on the role played by operational efficiency in boosting return on investment for banks.

This approach reflects the ability to analyze and comprehend, which is valued in an ignou mcom project.

Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity

IGNOU takes plagiarism seriously. Many projects are cancelled or delayed due copies of literature reviews. However, even if you use other studies, your language ought to be uniquely yours.

Make use of plagiarism checking tools whenever possible, and modify content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is better than perfect copied.

Final Review Before Submission

Before submitting an ignou mcom project, go back through the review of literature carefully. Review each article to determine if it is relevant, if the flow of information is clear, and whether the chapter leads naturally to your research goals.

Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter provide a reason the reason why my research is important. If the answer is yes your literature review is on the right path.

Closing Thoughts

Writing a literature review as part of an ignou master's thesis may initially be challenging particularly for those returning to university after a gap. Once you realize that it is focused on connection and analysis rather than memorization of information, the task is manageable.

Do your best to read, think, and write in your personal voice. The result of your efforts will be apparent in your final work and often can be the difference in your average work and a good one.