Generalized matrix near-rings

Let R be a right near-ring with identity. The k×k matrix near-ring over R, Mat_k(R R), as defined by Meldrum and van der Walt, regards R as a left mod-ule over R. Let M be any faithful left R-module. Using the action of R on M, a generalized k×k matrix near-ring, Mat_k(R M), is defined. It is seen that Mat_k(R M) has many of the features of Mat_k(R R). Differences be-tween the two classes of near-rings are shown. In spe- cial cases there are relationships between Mat_k(R M) and Mat_k(R R). Generalized matrix near-rings Mat_k(R M) arise as the “right near-ring” of finite centraiizer near-rings of the form M _A{G)> where G is a finite group and A is a fixed point free automorphism group on G.