For many students enrolled in IGNOU and IGNOU, the study of literature can be the most complicated component of their project. This is especially true when working on an ignou-mcom project in which academic depth is expected but guidance often feels limited. Students are often asked if they require a summation of their books, modify journal articles, or simply gather quotations. The reality is somewhere between, and understanding that a difference could affect the quality of the entire project.

Literature reviews are not intended to demonstrate the amount of material you've read. It is written to show how well you understand the prior work on the topic of your choice and how you work fits in. IGNOU reviewers are attentive to this chapter due to your ability to link theories with research direction.

Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature

Before writing anything, it is essential to know why this chapter is necessary in an ignou mcom project. Literature review serves three major purposes.

First, it shows that the subject you picked is a subject that has been studied previously and has relevance to academic research. In addition, it allows you to find gaps or weaknesses in earlier research. In addition, it can provide an understanding of research objectives and your methodology.

A lot of students view this chapter as a formality and take content from other projects or even from online sources. This usually leads to very low marks or projects being rejected. IGNOU expects original writing even in discussions of studies already completed.

What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review

IGNOU doesn't expect students to write on the scale of the PhD thesis. However it is recommended that students write in a simple way. too much to be avoided. When a ignou mcom project is being developed, the review of literature should reflect postgraduate-level understanding.

You're expected review books, research papers journals, reports, and sometimes government publications related to your area of study. The main focus should be on those studies which directly relate to the area of your study.

For example, if you research focuses on the financial performance of banks and banks, then your literature search should concentrate on studies that have been conducted previously about financial ratios banking performance, profitability analysis, and risk assessment.

Selecting Relevant Literature Sources

One common mistake students make is deciding to use too many disparate sources. Quality matters more than quantity. For an ignou mcom project, around fifteen to twenty good sources can be found as long as they're carefully chosen.

Good sources include academic journals reliable books from well-known names, RBI papers, official reports and university level research papers. Websites that don't have a clear authorship must be avoided.

Always prefer recent studies and ideally, from the last ten years. These older studies may be included only if the studies are fundamental in the nature.

Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter

A well-organized chapter enhances the readability and impact. Instead of composing brief summaries on the fly, separate your literature reviews into logical sections.

You can structure the chapter using themes, period methodologies, or the variables studied. For instance, one section may examine studies that pertain to profitability, whereas another might focus on liquidity, and a third is focused on operating 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 language. IGNOU insists on simplicity over clarity.

Each study you discuss should include the author's name, the year of study, the objectives, the methodology used, and main findings. But, don't list them chronologically. Make an effort to link one study with another.

When you've discussed some research, you might refer to how an author's findings were supported and/or refuted the findings. This way of looking at comparisons adds richness to your ignou project.

Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes

A common mistake is to write the literature review like an academic chapter. In explaining the basics of concepts like definition of accounting or meaning of management doesn't belong here unless directly linked in previous studies.

Another error is over-quoting. Your review of literature should be written in Your own voice. Paraphrasing shows understanding, while using copying can show dependency.

Students often fail to connect works to their research study. Every study you mention should be clearly connected to your objectives for your project.

Linking Literature Review with Research Gap

One of the most important outcomes of the review of literature is to identify the gap in research. IGNOU evaluaters want you to identify what earlier researchers didn't know or indicate areas where further research is required.

After reviewing a number of studies, you'll find that a lot of research focused on large organizations while smaller companies were not considered. In the past, studies utilized secondary data, however primary data was scarce.

This gap is the basis for your an IGNOU Project Report for MCOM project. Without it, your project could appear repetitive.

Use of Citations and Referencing

When writing a review of literature A proper citation is necessary. IGNOU generally follows APA style, however being consistent is more important than achieving perfection.

Each study must be mentioned in the reference list at the conclusion of the project. Missing references create doubts about authenticity.

Avoid footnotes when reviewing literature. In text citation works better and is cleaner when used 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 set timeframe but for an MCOM project, the chapter typically spans from fifteen hundred and two thousand words.

The length should be determined by your topic's complexity. A more broad subject requires more research while a targeted topic requires fewer, but more extensive discussions.

A review that is too long and without analysis does not improve marks.

Example of Literature Review Writing Approach

Instead of writing this way,
Author A conducted a study of the performance of banks and came up with positive results

Write as this
Author A conducted a research study on bank performance using financial ratios, and concluded that profitability improved thanks to better asset control. This conclusion was later confirmed by Author B in his study, who focused on the importance of operational efficiency when it comes to improving bank returns.

This approach emphasizes the ability to analyze and comprehend, which can be valued in an MCOM project.

Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity

IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are stopped or rejected because of review of literature that has been copied. Although you may refer to previously published studies, the style has to be distinctly yours.

Make use of plagiarism checking tools whenever possible. Rewrite content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is more effective than perfect copying.

Final Review Before Submission

Before submitting your ignou master of commerce assignment, you should read your literature review carefully. Check whether each study is relevant, if the flow of information is clear, and whether the chapters naturally connect to your research goals.

Ask yourself one simple question. Does this section explain why my research is necessary. If the answer is yes, then your research paper is right on track.

Closing Thoughts

Writing a literature review as part of an ignou master's thesis could be daunting at first particularly for those returning to school after a long hiatus. But once you know that it's focused on connection and analysis rather than recitation, the challenge becomes easy.

Be sure to read, consider, and write in your personal voice. This effort will be evident in the final work. It often is the difference between an average essay and a strong one.