Why the Introduction matters
The Introduction is the first chapter examiners read. It sets the tone for your entire project. A good Introduction explains what you studied, why it matters, and how you studied it — in a clear, focused way. Think of it as the map that helps the reader understand the rest of your work.
Core components of a good Introduction
Keep the Introduction simple, logical and original. Include these essential parts:
- Background / Context: Briefly set the scene — explain the general area of study and why the topic is relevant today.
- Problem statement: What specific issue or question does your project address?
- Objectives: List 3–5 clear objectives. These tell readers what you aim to achieve.
- Scope of the study: Define the boundaries — geography, time period, sample, and what you are not covering.
- Research methodology (brief): Mention whether you used primary or secondary data, sample size and simple methods (survey, ratio analysis, interviews).
- Significance / Rationale: Explain how your study adds value — to academics, practitioners, or policy makers.
- Structure of the report: A short paragraph telling what each chapter contains (one-line for each chapter).
How long should the Introduction be?
For an IGNOU MCom project, the Introduction is usually 800–1200 words or about 2–4 pages. It should be long enough to give a clear picture but not so long that it repeats the literature review or methodology in detail.
Simple structure you can follow (template)
Use this short template and adapt to your topic:
Background: One or two paragraphs giving context.
Problem Statement: One clear sentence describing the research problem.
Objectives: Bullet list of 3 objectives.
Scope & Method: 2–3 lines on what you studied and how.
Significance: One paragraph explaining why the study is useful.
Organization: Two lines listing chapter contents.
Example: Short Introduction paragraph (Finance topic)
Digital payments have grown rapidly in India after the rise of UPI and mobile banking. Many working professionals now prefer digital modes for daily transactions. However, there is limited academic evidence on how these platforms influence saving and investment habits. This study examines the effect of digital payment adoption on the investment behaviour of salaried professionals in Pune. The objectives are: (1) to analyse adoption patterns, (2) to study any change in short-term savings, and (3) to suggest measures for financial planners. The study uses a structured questionnaire with 200 respondents and employs descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings will help banks and planners design better digital financial services. The report is organised as follows: Chapter 2 reviews literature, Chapter 3 explains methodology, Chapter 4 presents results, and Chapter 5 concludes with suggestions.
Common mistakes students make in Introduction (and how to avoid them)
| Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Too long — repeats literature review | Keep background brief and save detailed discussion for Literature Review. |
| Vague objectives | Write measurable, specific objectives (use words like “to analyse”, “to compare”, “to evaluate”). |
| No clear problem statement | State the research problem in one sentence: what gap are you filling? |
| Methodology overload | Mention only the method in brief; full details belong to the methodology chapter. |
Practical tips for a human, readable Introduction
- Write in simple, direct sentences — imagine you are explaining to a classmate.
- Use active voice where possible: “This study examines…” rather than “It is examined…”
- Keep paragraphs short (4–6 lines) for readability.
- Use local examples if relevant (city, company) — it makes your work practical.
- After writing, read the Introduction aloud — if it feels smooth, it will read well for examiners.
Short checklist before finalising your Introduction
- Does the problem statement clearly state what you study?
- Are objectives specific and achievable?
- Is the scope well defined?
- Have you briefly mentioned method and sample?
- Does the last paragraph explain the report structure?
When to revise your Introduction
It is normal to rewrite the Introduction after finishing the project. As you analyse results, you may adjust the scope or emphasise different findings. A final pass after completion ensures the Introduction matches the rest of the report exactly.