Writing the MBA thesis for IGNOU already requires enough time and effort. Topic selection, analysis, data collection, formatting and viva prep can keep students busy for months. It is then time to tackle the reference part. It is here that many students get confused, and not due to the difficulty, but because no one explains it clearly.
The majority of IGNOU MBA projects fail not due to inadequate research, but due to incorrect or careless referencing. Examiners notice references immediately. They look for sources that are authentic, properly cited, and formatted in a consistent manner. Insufficient reference sections raise doubt on the authenticity of an whole document.
This guide will help you write references for your IGNOU MBA project in a practical and simple manner, free of academic language.
The importance of references in the context of an IGNOU MBA project
References will prove that the work is based on actual research, not just your imagination. They demonstrate that you've been through journals, books, reports, and trustworthy online sources.
IGNOU expects MBA students to show
knowledge of current research
and ability to connect theories with practical
Knowledge of reliable sources
If references are not present or poorly written, a project seems rushed or copied. Even good content suffers because references reflect seriousness.
Reference section vs bibliography
A lot of students use these terms interchangeably. However, they're not exactly identical.
References contain only the sources that are cited in the project chapters.
Bibliography may also contain additional reading material that has helped you comprehend the topic, but was not explicitly cited.
For IGNOU MBA projects, it's safer to utilize a References section and ensure every Source listed is used in the document.
Which referencing style do you employ for IGNOU MBA
IGNOU generally adheres to the APA style of management and project projects. While they can't penalize minor formatting variations, consistency is critical.
The APA style concentrates on Name of the author. Year of publication. Title of the source Publisher or the URL of the journal if online
Don't mix different styles into the same work. This is one of the most frequent mistakes that students make.
How do I make sure references are listed in the correct order?
The reference list should be included at the end of the project after the conclusion, and before any annexes.
Rules to follow
Arrange references alphabetically by author surname
If no author is available, refer to the organization names
If there is no date available, include n d instead of year.
Use consistent spacing and font
Never number references, unless directed by your guide.
How to write book references to be used in the IGNOU MBA project
Books are thought to be a reliable source specifically for theory chapter.
Format
Author surname, initials. Year. Title of book. Name of the publisher.
Example
Kotler, P. 2017. Marketing management. Pearson Education.
If the book is written by multiple authors, include them within the same sequence mentioned in the book.
Do not refer to guide notes or materials for coaching. Examiners are able to easily spot unofficial sources.
How do you write a journal article references
Journal articles are extremely valued in MBA projects, specifically for literature reviews.
Format
Author surname, initials. Year. Title to the journal article. Journal name, volume number issue number and page range.
Example
Sharma, R. 2020. Engagement of employees and productivity. International Journal of Management Studies, 8 2, 45 to 58.
Be sure that the journal's names are completed, not in abbreviated form.
How to write website references correctly
The internet is acceptable if they are reliable.
Use
the government sites
Annual reports of the company
Reputed business portals
Academic journals
Avoid blog sites that lack an authors or authorities.
Format
Author or organization. Year. Title of the web page. Website name. URL.
Example
Reserve Bank of India. 2022. Monetary policy framework. RBI Official Website. https://www.rbi.org.in
Don't copy and paste excessive tracking sites. Use simple URLs.
Reports of the company and annual reports
For MBA assignments, data from the company is usually derived out of annual accounts.
Format
Company name. Year. The report's title. Name of the publisher or company.
Example
Tata Motors Limited. 2023. Annual report. Tata Motors Limited.
If it is online, you can add this URL in brackets at the end.
How can you cite sources within the project content
References cannot be written at the end of chapters. They must be written inside the chapters as references.
Text APA reference format
Year of author's surname
Example
Kotler 2017 Kotler 2017, consumer behavior is influenced by cultural and social factors.
For multiple authors
You should use the first author's surname followed by et al and year.
Do not use references that are too numerous. Use references whenever theory or data is discussed.
Common mistakes that students do in IGNOU MBA references
Using Wikipedia as an example of a source. Copying references but not understanding the source. Unmatched citations and reference list Inconsistent formatting Journal names that are fake. Missing publication years
These mistakes undermine credibility, and could lead to project revision.
How many references will suffice?
There's no exact number however, for an MBA assignment
Minimum 20 to thirty references are considered safe
Include diverse books, journals, and reports
Do not exaggerate the number of references artificially
The quality of the product is more important than the quantity.
Practical suggestion to manage references effortlessly
While you work in your work
Maintain an independent reference document
Create a reference document as you write chapters
Keep the references until the end of the day.
References made last minute always lead to mistakes.
Final thoughts
Writing references for an IGNOU MBA project experts MBA project isn't about memorizing format. It is about honesty, coherence, and clarity. If references are properly formatted, they strengthen your work and ensure that your project relies on an understanding of the real.
The reference section should be considered part of your research, not a formality. People who examine your work will be impressed, and well-written references always make an impression of positivity.