The normal index of a finite group. (Q1105694)

The normal index, \(\eta(G:M)\), of maximal subgroup \(M\) of finite group \(G\) is the order of chief factor \(H/K\) of \(G\) where \(H\) is a minimal normal supplement of \(M\) in \(G\). Here the authors investigate the normal index of \(c\)-maximal subgroups, viz., maximal subgroups with composite index. It is known that \(G\) is solvable if and only if \([G:M]=\eta(G:M)\) for every maximal subgroup \(M\) of \(G\); the authors show that \(G\) is solvable if and only if \([G:M]=\eta(G:M)\) for every \(c\)-maximal subgroup \(M\) of \(G\). A result of Mukherjee is similarly extended by showing that \(G\) is supersolvable if \(\eta(G:M)\) is square-free for every \(c\)-maximal subgroup \(M\) of \(G\). Results of Beidleman and Spencer and Mukherjee on \(p\)-solvable and \(p\)-supersolvable groups are also extended in similar fashion.