For many students in IGNOU MCOM project topics and IGNOU, the study of studies can be the most challenging aspect of their project. This is especially the case for students working on an ignou mcom project, where academic rigor is expected. However, the direction often isn't clear. Students frequently ask if they need to summarize books, modify journal articles, or simply collect quotes. The reality lies somewhere in between, and knowing this distinction can alter the quality of the entire project.

A review of literature is not meant to display how much of the literature you've read. It is written to show your understanding of the current research related to the topic you're researching and how your research fits into it. IGNOU reviewers are attentive to this chapter, as it illustrates your ability to connect theory with research direction.

Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature

Before writing anything, it is vital to understand the reason this chapter exists in an ignou MCOM project. Literature reviews serve three primary purposes.

First, it demonstrates it is clear that the topic you've chosen was studied before as well as having a relevance for academic studies. Second, it aids you identify any gaps or limitations from previous studies. Third, it provides an outline for your research objectives and methodological.

Most students view this section as a formality and take content from other projects or online sources. This practice usually leads to negative marks or project rejection. IGNOU expects original writing even when discussing the results of existing studies.

What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review

IGNOU doesn't expect students to write at the level of an PhD thesis. However the use of very basic explanations is also not recommended. If you are working on an ignou-mcom project, the review of literature should reflect postgraduate-level understanding.

You'll be expected to read research papers, books and reports, as well as journals and, sometimes, government publications relevant to the subject you are researching. The concentrate should be on studies that directly link to your area of study.

For instance, if your task is to study the financial performance of banks and banks, then your literature search must focus on earlier research in relation to financial ratios banking performance, profitability analysis and risk evaluation.

Selecting Relevant Literature Sources

One common mistake students make is selecting a lot of unrelated sources. It's more about quality than quantity. For an ignou-mcom project anywhere between fifteen and twenty powerful sources are generally enough in the event that they are carefully selected.

Some good sources are academic journals as well as reputable books by renowned writer, RBI books, public reports and university level research papers. Websites that don't have a clear authorship must be avoided.

Always choose studies that are recent that are from the last 10 years. Other studies from the past may be considered but only if it is foundational in the nature.

Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter

An organized chapter improves the readability and impact. Instead of writing random summaries of the work, break down each literature overview into logical sections.

You could organize the chapter according to themes, time period method, variables, or methodologies investigated. For instance, one chapter may examine studies that pertain to profitability, whereas a different section could focus on liquidity and another is focused on operating efficiency.

The structure can aid evaluators in understanding that you're more than just copying content, you are actually analysing it.

Writing Style for IGNOU Literature Review

The writing style should be simple but academic. Avoid overly complicated language and language. IGNOU values clarity over complexity.

Each study you present should include the author name, year of study, objectives, the methodology used, and major findings. Be careful not to list them mechanically. You should try to link one study with another.

In the case of discussing one study, it is possible to explain how another author's work supported or refuted the findings. This method of comparison adds an additional dimension to your ignou mcom project.

Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes

A common mistake is to write the literature review as the textbook chapter. The need to explain the fundamental concepts like how accounting works or the meaning of management is not a good idea in this article unless they are directly linked to previous research.

Another error is overquoting. Your review of literature should be written by you in an individual way. It is a sign of understanding that you are paraphrasing, while using copying can show dependency.

Students also forget to link books to their own research area. Every study you mention should have a clear connection to the research goals.

The Linkage Literature Review with Research Gap

One of important results of the examination of literature is to identify the research gap. IGNOU examiners expect you explain what the previous researchers missed or where more research is required.

After having discussed a myriad of studies you will notice that the majority of studies were focused on large businesses but small companies were not considered. And earlier studies used secondary data, but the primary data were not sufficient.

This void is the reason for your initiative with ignou MCOM. Without this, your project could appear to be repetitive.

Use of Citations and Referencing

While writing a review for literature An accurate citation is imperative. IGNOU generally recognizes APA style, but quality is more important than consistency.

All studies discussed must be included in the reference list at the conclusion of the project. References that are not included raise doubts about authenticity.

Do not use footnotes for literature reviews. Citation in text is more effective and appears cleaner in an ignou mcom project.

Length of Review of Literature Chapter

Students often ask how long the length of their review on literature ought to run. There isn't a set rule and for an ignou assignment in mcom, this chapter typically spans from fifteen hundred at to two thousand.

The length should depend on what the topic's difficulty. A larger topic demands more research while a focussed topic requires less but deeper 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 researched banking performance and found good results

Write this way
In the year A, Author B conducted a study about bank performance based on financial ratios. She concluded that profitability improved through better asset management. The findings were later confirmed by Author B who stressed the role of operational efficiency in improving returns to banks.

This type of approach shows understanding and analysis, which is essential to an MCOM project.

Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity

IGNOU takes plagiarism seriously. Many projects get deferred or even rejected due to copied literature reviews. Although you may refer to previous studies, the language needs to reflect your unique style.

Check for plagiarism using tools if possible and rewrite content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect is better than perfect copied.

Final Review Before Submission

Before you submit your ignou mcom project, go back through the literature review carefully. Check whether each study is relevant, whether your flow follows logically and whether your chapter will naturally lead to your research objectives.

Ask yourself one simple question. Does this section explain the reason for why I need to study it. If yes then it's on the right track.

Closing Thoughts

Writing a literature review to be used in an ignou mcom assignment is not easy at first particularly for those returning to university after a gap. Once you realize that it's about analysis and connection rather than memorizing information, the task is easy to handle.

You should take the time to read, think, and write in your personal voice. Your effort is evident in the final draft and often the difference is between your average work and a powerful one.