Directions: In the following question, a target word is provided along with three sentences demonstrating its usage. Choose the option corresponding to the statement(s) in which the target word is used correctly in terms of both grammar and context. If none of the given sentences use the word correctly, select option (e), "None of these".

Arbitrary
(i) The manager's arbitrary decision to change shift schedules without prior notice angered the entire staff.
(ii) The research project was completed in 2021, arbitrary non-sequentially across several academic institutions.
(iii) The government introduced strict guidelines to eliminate the arbitrary allocation of public funds.

Correct Option: both (i) and (iii)

Meaning of the Target Word:
The word arbitrary is an adjective that refers to something based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any logic, system, or fixed rule. It can also describe actions taken autocratically or without fair consideration.

Analysis of the Given Sentences:
Sentence (i): "The manager's arbitrary decision to change shift schedules without prior notice angered the entire staff."
• Grammar & Context: Here, "arbitrary" is correctly used as an adjective modifying the noun "decision." Contextually, a sudden schedule change made without prior notice or a systematic process perfectly fits the definition of an arbitrary decision. Therefore, sentence (i) is correct.

Sentence (ii): "The research project was completed in 2021, arbitrary non-sequentially across several academic institutions."
• Grammar & Context: In this sentence, the adjective "arbitrary" is incorrectly placed before another modifier ("non-sequentially"). Grammatically, modifying how an action was completed requires an adverb (e.g., "arbitrarily"), making this usage syntactically improper. Therefore, sentence (ii) is incorrect.

Sentence (iii): "The government introduced strict guidelines to eliminate the arbitrary allocation of public funds."
• Grammar & Context: Here, "arbitrary" functions properly as an adjective describing the noun "allocation." Contextually, establishing guidelines to avoid unfair, random, or unsystematic distribution of public money is meaningful and correct. Therefore, sentence (iii) is correct.

Conclusion:
Because the target word is used correctly in both grammar and context in statements (i) and (iii), the correct choice is both (i) and (iii).