Many students taking part in IGNOU The review of literature can be the most elusive aspect of the work. This is particularly true for those who are working on an ignou MCOM project where academic depth is expected. However, guidance usually feels limited. Students typically ask if they are required to summarize books or amend journal articles, and simply gather quotes. The truth lies somewhere between, and knowing that the difference can impact the quality of the entire project.

A review of literature is not intended to be a record of the amount of material you've read. It's written to demonstrate how well you comprehend existing work related to your subject and how your project is a part of it. IGNOU assessment experts are attuned to the chapter since it demonstrates your ability to link ideas with research direction.

Before writing anything, however, it is crucial to consider the reasons this section is part of an ignou MCOM project. The literature review serves three primary functions.
First, it shows that the topic you selected has been researched before and has academic relevance. Second, it aids you detect gaps or deficiencies in earlier research. In addition, it can provide an outline of your research objectives as well as your method of study.
A lot of students view this chapter as a formality and copy content from previous projects or other sources online. This often results in lower marks or rejection of projects. IGNOU MCOM project report (official source) is looking for original writing even when addressing existing research.
IGNOU does not require students to write at the level of a PhD thesis. However, very basic explanations are as well discouraged. If you are working on an ignou-mcom project, the review of literature must reflect understanding at postgraduate level.
You're expected review books, research papers and reports, as well as journals and occasionally, government publications that relate with your field. The concentration should be on the studies which are directly related to your research topic.
In the case of example, if your research is focused on the financial performance of banks Then your literature review should examine earlier research that dealt with financial ratios, efficiency of banks, profitability analyses, and risk assessment.
One of the most common mistakes students make is selecting a lot of unrelated sources. Quantity is not as important as quality. For a project involving ignou mcom approximately fifteen to twenty good sources can be found should they be selected carefully.
An excellent source of information is academic journals, reputed books by known authors, RBI publication, reports from the government, and university research papers. Websites that are not clear on authorship should be avoided.
Always go for the most recent research which are typically from the last ten years. It is possible to include older studies in the event that they are fundamental in their nature.
A well-organized chapter enhances quality of reading and impression. Instead of writing random summaries, you can divide sections of the review in logical sections.
You can organize the chapter by themes, time period, methodology, or variables the authors have studied. For example, one section might discuss studies on profitability, another may focus on liquidity while the other regarding operational efficiency.
This structure aids in understanding that you're more than just copying content. You are actually studying it.
The style of writing must be formal but not abrasive. Avoid overly complicated language and vocabulary. IGNOU insists on simplicity over clarity.
The study you are discussing should include the author's name, the year of study, the objectives, the methodology used, and major findings. Be careful not to list them mechanically. Do your best to link one study to another.
For instance, when discussing one study, you could write about how a different author's research supported or challenged those findings. This approach of comparing studies adds depth to your ignou mcom project.
The most common error is writing the literature review like the kind of chapter in a textbook. It is important to clarify the basic concepts, such as understanding of accounting's definition or of management is not appropriate in this section unless it is directly connected to prior studies.
Another error is overquoting. Your review of literature should be written in the style of your personal words. A phrasing style shows understanding, whereas using copying can show dependency.
They are also often unable to link literature with their own research area. Every research you present should be clearly linked to your goals for the project.
One of the key results of a review of literature is identifying the research gap. IGNOU reviewers expect you to expose what researchers of the past missed or the areas where more study is required.
In the course of discussing several studies you'll notice that the majority of studies centered on large organizations and small businesses were neglected. Some studies have used secondary data, however primary data was not enough.
This gap can be the motivation for your project in the ignou mcom. Without this, your project could appear monotonous.
In writing a review of literature the proper citation is crucial. IGNOU generally supports APA style, but being consistent is more important than achieving perfection.
Each research study should be included in the list of references at the end of the project. References that are not included raise doubts about authenticity.
Avoid footnotes when reviewing literature. Citations in text work better and looks more professional in an ignou mcom project.
Students often ask how long the reviews of books should run. There's not a standard for length but for an assignment in mcom, this chapter typically runs from fifteen hundred and two thousand words.
The length should be determined by topic complexity. A more broad subject requires additional research while a specific topic requires fewer but more extensive discussions.
Writing excessively long reviews without an analysis won't help marks.
Instead of writing like this
The author analyzed the bank's performance, and found positive results
Write in this manner
For example, author A carried out a study on bank performance by using financial ratios. The study found that profitability improved due to improved asset management. This conclusion was later confirmed by Author B who highlighted the role played by operating efficiency in boosting bank earnings.
This approach is based on an understanding and analysis that is what counts in an mcom project.
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are deferred or even rejected due to duplicated literature reviews. Although you may refer to earlier studies, the language needs to reflect your unique style.
Make use of plagiarism checking tools whenever possible. If you are able, modify your content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is better than perfect copied.
Before submitting an ignou mcom task, revisit your literature review carefully. Verify that each research is relevant, if the flow is consistent and whether the chapter flows naturally towards your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter make clear the reason why my research is important. If yes then your review on literature will be in the best track.
Reviewing literature to be used in an ignou mcom assignment isn't easy at first in particular for students who are returning to academics after a gap. But once you recognize that it is more about connecting and analysis than memorization, it is manageable.
Do your best to read, think, and write in your unique voice. This dedication is clearly reflected on your final product and often makes the difference between an average project and a outstanding one.