A Hall-Higman-Shult type theorem for arbitrary finite groups. (Q2491162)

In this paper, the author extends a fixed point theorem of \textit{E. E. Shult} [see Ill. J. Math. 9, 701-720 (1965; Zbl 0136.28504)] to arbitrary finite groups. He proves the following theorem: Let \(R\) be a group of prime order \(r\) that acts on the \(r'\)-group \(G\). Suppose that \(V\) is a faithful irreducible \(RG\)-module over a field of characteristic \(p\). If \(C_V(R)=0\), then either \([G,R]=1\) or \(r\) is a Fermat prime and \([G,R]\) is a nonabelian special 2-group. This theorem will be applied to study automorphisms of arbitary finite groups.