Scott modules in finite groups with cyclic Sylow p-subgroups

We present a simple method for determining Scott modules of finite groups using just the Brauer tree of the principal block and the values of ordinary characters at non-identity p-elements. Previously, determining Scott modules often involved long calculations. The method is applicable to the case where finite groups have cyclic Sylow p-subgroups. The structure of a Scott module is closely related to the length of the shortest path from the vertex labeled by the trivial ordinary character to the exceptional vertex in the Brauer tree. We classify the structures of the Scott modules and the ordinary characters they afford, by the length of the associated path in the Brauer tree. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.