For a lot of students studying at IGNOU review, reviewing literature can be the most confusing part of the project work. This is especially the case for those working on an ignou-mcom project in which academic depth is expected but guidance often appears to be limited. Students usually inquire if they should write down their book chapters, modify journal articles, or simply collect quotes. In reality, there is a place between, and knowing how different approaches can impact the quality of the entire project.
A review of literature is not written to show how much content you've read. It is written to show how well you understand the available research on your topic and how your project fits within it. IGNOU assessment experts are attuned to this chapter because it reflects your ability to connect ideas with research direction.
Before composing anything, it is essential to know why this chapter is needed in an ignou mcom project. The literature review serves three principal purposes.
In the first place, it indicates that the subject matter you've chosen has been previously studied and has a scholarly significance. Second, it aids you detect gaps or deficiencies in prior research. In addition, it can provide an outline of your research objectives and methodology.
Many students approach this chapter as a formality and copy content from their previous projects or sources on the internet. This practice usually leads to low marks or project rejection. IGNOU does not require original writing when discussing previous studies.
IGNOU does not expect students to write on the scale of a PhD thesis. The same time extremely basic explanations are also discouraged. For an ignou MCOM project the literature review should reflect postgraduate level understanding.
You will be required to read research papers, books and reports, as well as journals and occasionally, government publications that relate to your research area. The concentration should be on the studies that directly connect with the research area you are studying.
In this case, for example, if your research focuses on the financial performance of banks Then your literature review should be focused on previous studies dealing with financial ratios banking performance, profitability analysis and risk evaluation.
A common mistake made by students is deciding to use too many disparate sources. The quality of the information is more important than the quantity. For a project in ignou roughly fifteen to twenty reliable sources will suffice if they are well chosen.
A good source is academic journals as well as reputable books by renowned the authors RBI papers, official reports and even university research papers. Websites with unclear authorship should be avoided.
The best studies are those that are current and ideally, from the last 10 years. Some older studies are acceptable only if they're fundamental in the nature.
A well-organized chapter can improve comprehension and makes a good impression. Instead of writing unstructured summaries, split this literature summary into sensible sections.
You can arrange the chapter by themes, time period methodologies, or the variables examined. For instance, one section may focus on research studies related to profitability, whereas a different section could focus on liquidity and the third on operational efficiency.
This structure helps evaluators understand that you're more than just replicating content but are actually analyzing it.
The writing style should be straightforward but academic. Avoid dense language and excessive words. IGNOU favors clarity over complexity.
Each study you analyze should include the name of the author as well as year of study, research objectives, methods, and the major findings. However, you shouldn't list them in a formal manner. Try to connect one study with another.
For instance, when discussing the findings of one study, you could be able to mention that another author's findings backed or contradicted those findings. This approach of comparing studies adds depth to your ignou MCOM project.
The most common error is writing the literature review like a textbook chapter. Simply explaining concepts such as what accounting is and the meaning of management are not needed here unless directly linked to earlier studies.
Another error is quoting too much. Your review of literature should be written in one's own terms. A phrasing style shows understanding, whereas writing in a copy shows dependency.
Students also forget to link studies to their own research study. Every study you mention should have a clear connection your goals for the project.
One of the major results of a review of literature is identifying the gap in research. IGNOU assessors require you to clarify what research earlier researchers did not or the areas in which further research is required.
After reviewing a number of studies, you will notice that the majority of research focused on large organizations, while small firms were not considered. Additionally, previous studies utilized secondary data but primary data was scarce.
This is why it's the main reason for your project in the ignou mcom. Without it, the project might appear repetitive.
In writing a review of literature the proper citation is crucial. IGNOU generally follows APA style, but consistency is more important than perfect.
Each study that is discussed should be included in the list of references at the conclusion of the project. A lack of references may raise doubts as to the study's authenticity.
Avoid footnotes for literature review. A text-based citation is more efficient as it appears cleaner in an ignou MCOM project.
Students often inquire about how long the length of their review on literature ought to last. There is no set amount that can be followed, however for an MCOM project work IGNOU project, the chapter generally spans from fifteen to at to two thousand.
The length of the discussion should be based on how complex the topic is. The more expansive topic requires additional research while a more narrowly-focused topic requires fewer but deeper discussions.
A review that is too long and without analysis will not help improve marks.
Instead of writing as this
Author A studied the bank's performance, and found positive results
Write this way
For example, author A carried out a study on banking performance by using financial ratios. The study concluded that profitability increased through better asset management. This conclusion was later affirmed by Author B He emphasized the importance of operation efficiency in improving bank profits.
This type of approach shows an understanding and analysis that can be valued in an MCOM project.
IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects are delayed or rejected due to duplicated literature reviews. Even if your reference is to previous studies, the terminology needs to reflect your unique style.
Use plagiarism checking tools as possible. Rewrite content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect can be better than perfect copied.

Before you submit your ignou project, read the entire literature review. Make sure that each study is relevant, if the flow is logical and if the chapter flows naturally towards your research objectives.
Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter explain the reason for why I need to study it. If yes, then that literature study is in the right path.
Writing a review of literature for an ignou MCOM project may initially be challenging, especially for students returning to academics after a gap. But once you know that it is about analysis and connection rather that memorization, the work can be accomplished.
Make time to read, think and write with your own voice. That effort reflects clearly in your final work and often is the difference between being a weak submission and an average one. solid one.