For a lot of students studying at IGNOU review, reviewing studies can be the most challenging aspect of the work. This is especially the case when working on the ignou mcom course, where academic depth is expected, however guidance often feels a bit limited. Students usually ask whether they must write summaries of books, edit journal articles, or simply gather quotations. The truth lies somewhere between, and knowing that the difference can impact the overall quality of the project.

A literature review is NOT written to illustrate how much you've read. It's written to demonstrate how much you comprehend literature that is relevant to the subject you are researching and how your work fits in. IGNOU evaluaters pay close attention to this chapter as it shows your ability to link concepts with research direction.

Understanding the Purpose of Review of Literature

Before writing anything, however, it is crucial to comprehend why this chapter is needed in an ignou mcom project. Literature reviews serve three primary purposes.

In the first place, it indicates that the subject you picked has been previously studied and has relevance to academic research. Thirdly, it assists you detect gaps or deficiencies in earlier research. It also provides an outline of your research objectives and your methodology.

A lot of students view this chapter as a formality, and copy content from previous assignments or web-based sources. This usually leads to poor marks or even project rejection. IGNOU is seeking original and unique writing even when discussing studies that are already in progress.

What IGNOU Expects in Literature Review

IGNOU doesn't expect students to write at the level of the PhD thesis. In the same way any explanation that is not basic is also discouraged. In an ignou project, the review of literature must reflect understanding at postgraduate level.

You're expected review research papers, books journals, reports and even government publications pertaining to your field of study. The main focus should be on those studies which are directly related to your research field.

For example, if your research focuses on the financial performance of banks, then your literature review should examine earlier research in relation to financial ratios financial performance, profitability analysis and risk evaluation.

Selecting Relevant Literature Sources

The most common mistake students make is deciding to use too many disparate sources. Quantity is not as important as quality. For an ignou-mcom project in the range of 15 to 20 good sources can be found provided they are selected with care.

The best sources are academic journals that are reputable, well-known books by famous writers, RBI books, public reports and university research papers. Websites that have unclear authorship should be avoided.

Always choose studies that are recent and ideally, from the last ten years. More recent studies can be added only if the studies are fundamental in their nature.

Organizing the Review of Literature Chapter

A well-organized and organized chapter enhances readability and impression. Instead of writing random summaries of the work, break down the literature review into logical sections.

You can structure the chapter according to themes, time period, methodology, or variables investigated. For instance, one section may examine studies that pertain to the financial performance, while another may focus upon liquidity, while another is focused on operating efficiency.

This structure aids 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 and academic. Avoid a lot of language and jargon. IGNOU places emphasis on clarity over complexity.

Every research you share should include the name of the author as well as the year of study, the goal, methodology, and most important results. It is not necessary to list them in a linear manner. Try to connect one study with another.

For instance, after discussing one study, it is possible to explain how another author's work supported or opposed those findings. This type of analysis adds the depth of your ignou mcom project.

Avoiding Common Writing Mistakes

An error that is often made is to write the literature review as the textbook chapter. Basic concepts such as definition of accounting or the significance of management is not a good idea in this section unless it is directly connected to earlier studies.

Another mistake is excessive quoting. Your review of literature should be written by you in yourself. It is a sign of understanding that you are paraphrasing, while using copying can show dependency.

They are also often unable to link study findings to their own subject. Each study you discuss should have a clear connection to the research goals.

Links Literature Review with Research Gap

One of the most significant result of the study of literature is identifying the gap in research. IGNOU evaluaters want you to be able to demonstrate what prior researchers missed or where more research is needed.

After discussing multiple studies, you'll see that most research focuses on large enterprises and small businesses were absent. Also, earlier studies employed secondary data while primary data was not enough.

This gap can be the motivation for your project in the ignou mcom. Without it, your project could appear to be repetitive.

Use of Citations and Referencing

While writing a review for literature the proper citation is crucial. IGNOU generally accepts APA style, but consistent writing is more important than flawlessness.

Each study that is discussed should be included in the reference list at the end of the project. The absence of references can raise doubts regarding authenticity.

Do not use footnotes for literature reviews. In text citation works better and is more professional in an IGNOU MCOM project topics (patelcraftworld.com) MCOM project.

Length of Review of Literature Chapter

Students often inquire about how long the review of literature must run. There is no set amount, but for an ignou MCOM project this chapter typically runs from fifteen hundred to two thousand words.

The length should be determined by what the topic's difficulty. For a broad topic, you will need more studies, while a concentrated topic will require less but more in-depth discussions.

Writing excessively long reviews without an analysis won't help marks.

Example of Literature Review Writing Approach

Instead of writing as this
Author A conducted a study of bank performance and discovered good results

Write this way
Write as this: Author A performed a study examining the performance of banks using financial ratios and found that profitability improved due to improved asset management. This finding was later supported by Author B who also emphasized the role of operational efficiency in boosting return on investment for banks.

This is an approach that demonstrates the ability to analyze and comprehend, which is valued in an ignou MCOM project.

Maintaining Originality and Academic Integrity

IGNOU takes plagiarism very seriously. Many projects get deferred or even rejected due to copied literature reviews. Even if you refer to previous studies, the language must be your own.

Use plagiarism detection tools if possible. Rewrite content to make it sound natural. A sentence that is slightly imperfect is better than copied perfection.

Final Review Before Submission

Before you submit your ignou mcom project, read the review of literature carefully. Be sure to check if each study is relevant, whether the flow is logical and whether it is linked naturally to your research objectives.

Ask yourself one simple question. Does this chapter help explain the reason for why I need to study it. If the answer is yes you're on the correct track.

Closing Thoughts

Writing a review of literature for an ignou mcom project is not easy at first especially for students returning to university after a gap. Once you realize that it's focused on connection and analysis rather than memorization of information, the task becomes easier to manage.

Spend time reading, think, and write with your own voice. It is reflected clearly in your final product and often can be the difference in an average essay and a high-quality one.