In this error spotting question, read the sentence and identify the part that contains an error. The sentence is: "It must be noted that decentralization should be applied along with caution as it can lead to organizational disintegration."

Introduction / Context:
This question assesses your sensitivity to idiomatic usage in formal English, especially in management or organizational discussions. The sentence warns that decentralization, if not carefully handled, may damage the organisation. One segment, however, contains an unnatural prepositional phrase that should be corrected.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: "It must be noted that decentralization should be applied along with caution as it can lead to organizational disintegration."
• Segments:
  • A: It must be noted that
  • B: Decentralization should be applied
  • C: Along with caution as it can
  • D: Lead to organizational disintegration
• Option E: No error.
• The intended meaning is that decentralization should be applied with caution.

Concept / Approach:
In natural English, we say that something should be done "with caution", not "along with caution". The phrase "along with" means "in addition to", as in "Along with the letter, he sent some documents." In this sentence, caution is not something that is added as a separate item; it describes the manner in which decentralization should be applied. Therefore, the correct collocation is "applied with caution", and the phrase "along with caution" is non standard.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine segment A: "It must be noted that" is a formal phrase and is grammatically correct. Step 2: Segment B: "Decentralization should be applied" correctly uses passive voice and introduces the main topic. Step 3: Segment C: "along with caution as it can" is where the problem lies. The phrase "along with caution" is not idiomatic for describing how something should be applied. Step 4: Replace "along with" with "with" to form the correct expression "with caution". Step 5: Segment D correctly states the result: "lead to organizational disintegration". Step 6: Therefore, the erroneous part is segment C.

Verification / Alternative check:
Rewrite the corrected sentence: "It must be noted that decentralization should be applied with caution as it can lead to organizational disintegration." This version is both clear and idiomatic. If we keep "along with caution", the sentence sounds odd and may confuse readers. No other segment contains a similar collocation or grammatical error, confirming that segment C is the only incorrect part.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Segment A is a standard introductory clause and does not contain any error.

Segment B is correct in both tense and voice for a general recommendation.

Segment D correctly uses "lead to" to describe a possible negative consequence.

Choosing "No error" would leave the non standard phrase "along with caution" unchanged.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners overuse "along with" because it sounds formal, but it does not replace "with" in every situation. A good rule is that "with caution", "with care", and "with attention" are the correct idiomatic forms when describing manner. Reserve "along with" for adding items, such as "along with his friends" or "along with the report". Recognising these set phrases will help you avoid errors of this type.

Final Answer:
The error is in segment C, which should read "with caution as it can", so option C is correct.