For a lot of students studying at IGNOU review, reviewing studies can be the most challenging part of the project work. This is particularly true for students working on IGNOU's mcom projects, where academic depth is expected, but the guidance isn't available. Students usually inquire if they need to summarize books, write journal articles in a different way, or simply collect quotes. The reality is somewhere between, and knowing that differences can affect the quality of the entire project.
A review of literature is NOT written to illustrate how much of the literature you've read. It's written to demonstrate how well you know the current work in relation to your subject and how your work fits in. IGNOU evaluators look closely at this chapter because it reflects your ability to connect theory with research direction.

Before writing anything, it is essential to know why this section is part of an ignou mcom project. The literature review serves three primary purposes.
First, it demonstrates it is clear that the topic you've chosen is a subject that has been studied previously and has a scholarly significance. Furthermore, it will help you discover gaps or issues in earlier studies. The third is that it creates an overview of your research objectives and methodology.
Students often view this chapter as a formality, and copy content from earlier projects or even from online sources. This typically results in lower marks or rejection of projects. IGNOU will require original content even when presenting existing work.
IGNOU does not expect students to write on the scale of a PhD thesis. In the same way explaining in the simplest way is being discouraged. For an ignou master's degree project the literature review will reflect understanding that is postgraduate.
You'll be expected to read books, research papers journals, reports, and sometimes even government publications related to your topic. The main focus should be on those studies closely related to your research field.
For instance, if the task is to study the financial performance of banks If so, your literature analysis must focus on earlier research regarding financial ratios profitability analysis of bank operations, performance in banking and risk evaluation.
One common mistake students make is deciding to use too many disparate sources. Quality matters more than quantity. For an ignou-mcom project approximately fifteen to twenty powerful sources are generally enough should they be selected carefully.
These are good sources for academic journals that are reputable, well-known books by famous author, RBI newspapers, report from government agencies, and university level research papers. Websites that lack clarity on the author should be avoided.
Always choose studies that are recent particularly those that have been published in the last 10 years. The older studies may be included only if they are fundamental in way.
An organized chapter improves the readability and impact. Instead of composing random summaries, break up sections of the review in clear sections.
The chapter could be structured around themes, a time period method, variables, or methodologies that are studied. For instance, one section may cover studies related the financial performance, while another may focus upon liquidity, while another regarding operational efficiency.
This structure aids evaluators in understanding that you're more than just copying content, you are actually analysing it.
The writing style is academic, but simple. Avoid a heavy use of language or unnecessary use of jargon. IGNOU believes in simplicity over complexity.
Each study you analyze should include the author name, year of study, objective, methodology, as well as the main findings. However, don't list them in a formal manner. It is best to connect one study with the other.
For example, after analyzing an article, you can explain how another author's work supported or refuted the findings. The comparative approach adds more depth to your ignou MCOM project.
A common mistake is to write the literature review like a textbook chapter. Discussing fundamental concepts like definition of accounting or the significance of management do not belong in this section unless it is directly connected to previous research.
Another issue is the overuse of quoting. Your review of literature should be written by you in one's own terms. In the end, paraphrasing is an indication of understanding, while using copying can show dependency.
Many students do not connect publications to their personal research topics. The research you refer to should be in a direct connection to the research goals.
One of the major outcomes of reviewing the literature is to identify the research gap. IGNOU evaluators expect you to be able to demonstrate what prior researchers missed or the areas in which further research is needed.
In a discussion of multiple studies you'll find that a lot of studies focus on large organisations while smaller companies were left out. Also, earlier studies employed secondary data, but primary data was not enough.
The gap in the picture is the reason for your project ignou MCOM project work IGNOU (https://www.joblinkapply.com). Without it, your project may appear repetitive.
While writing the review of literature an appropriate citation is required. IGNOU generally accepts APA style, but coherence is more important than perfection.
Every study to be discussed must be included in the list of references at the end of the project. Any missing references cast doubt on the authenticity.
Avoid footnotes on literature reviews. A citation in text works better as it appears cleaner in an ignou mcom project.
Students often inquire about how long their literature reviews should last. There is no fixed rule but for an assignment in mcom, this chapter generally spans from fifteen to in length to 2500 words.
The length should depend on your topic's complexity. A broad topic will require more research while a particular topic will require fewer, but more in-depth discussions.
Reviewing unnecessarily long without analysis does not improve marks.
Instead of writing as this
Author A researched the performance of banks and came up with positive results
Write as this
For example, author A conducted a research study on bank performance using financial ratios. It found that profitability improved due to improved asset management. This conclusion was later confirmed by Author B who pointed out the role played by operating efficiency in boosting bank returns.
This method is based on an understanding and analysis that is valued in an ignou MCOM project.
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are refused or delayed because of review of literature that has been copied. Even if you reference previous research, the language has to be distinctly yours.
Make use of plagiarism-checking tools if you can and then rewrite the content until it sounds natural. A sentence that is slightly flawed is more effective than perfect copying.
Before submitting your ignou master of commerce task, revisit the entire literature review. Examine whether every study is relevant, whether your flow follows logically, and whether the chapter leads naturally to your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter help explain the reasons for my research. If the answer is yes, then your research paper is right on path.
Writing a literature review to be used in an ignou mcom assignment might be difficult at first particularly for students returning into academics after a time off. When you realize it's an analysis and connection, rather than memorization, it is manageable.
You should take the time to read, think and write in your unique voice. It is reflected clearly in your final work and often determines the difference between one that is average and a outstanding one.
