How to Structure and Analyze Sources for IGNOU Research Review

Writing a thorough literature review for IGNOU projects requires careful organization and synthesis of multiple references. This guide will help you master the process of effectively handling your academic sources.

1. Comprehending the IGNOU Research Review Guidelines

Before beginning your research review, understand the specific requirements set by IGNOU:

• Check the length specifications


• Note the preferred referencing format


• Understand the expected level of analysis


• Clarify whether secondary references are required

2. Gathering Relevant Sources

The initial step is to locate reliable references for your literature review:

Scholarly Databases

Use IGNOU's digital library and other scholarly databases like:

• JSTOR


• Google Scholar


• ResearchGate


• IGNOU's eGyanKosh

Choosing Criteria

Establish specific criteria for choosing sources:

• Applicability to your research topic


• Reliability of the publisher


• Publication date (preferably within last 5-10 years)


• Scholarly rigor and approach

3. Structuring Your Sources

Effective structuring is crucial for handling multiple sources:

Digital Applications

Use these tools to manage your sources:

• Zotero (no-cost citation manager)


• Mendeley (document organizer)


• EndNote (detailed citation tool)


• Simple spreadsheet document

Classification Approaches

Organize your references by:

• Thematic connections


• Methodological approaches


• Historical sequence


• Conceptual models

4. Analyzing and Synthesizing References

The essential of your research review is examination and synthesis:

Critical Evaluation

When reading each source, ask:

• What are the key points?


• What data supports these claims?


• How does this relate to other references?


• What are the strengths of this research?

Integration Methods

Combine findings from multiple sources:

• Identify recurring patterns


• Point out disagreements among sources


• Follow the evolution of ideas


• Relate to your study objectives

5. Writing the Literature Review

With your sources organized and examined, begin drafting:

Organization Guidelines

A standard Ignou MBA Project literature review contains:

1. Introduction: Brief context and purpose


2. Conceptual Sections: Organized by key topics


3. Critical Evaluation: Integration of findings


4. Summary: Main observations and unanswered questions

Drafting Tips

• Maintain formal style throughout


• Employ transitional words between sections


• Correctly reference all references


• Avoid plagiarism by rewording concepts

6. Completing Your Literature Review

Before submission, ensure:

Editing List

• Verify all citations are complete


• Confirm proper structure as per IGNOU guidelines


• Review for logical flow of arguments


• Check for language mistakes

Frequent Mistakes to Avoid

• Dependence on outdated sources


• Summary-only approach without critique


• Inadequate organization of content


• Ignoring contrary viewpoints

Conclusion

Structuring and synthesizing sources for your IGNOU literature review requires methodical method. By applying these steps, you can create a high-quality review that shows thorough knowledge of your topic and contributes to your academic work.

Keep in mind that a good research review doesn't just describe current research, but in addition provides critical insight and identifies gaps for further research.