  In this paper we introduce a generalization of a Brauer graph algebra which
we call a Brauer configuration algebra. As with Brauer graphs and Brauer graph
algebras, to each Brauer configuration, there is an associated Brauer
configuration algebra. We show that Brauer configuration algebras are finite
dimensional symmetric algebras. After studying and analysing structural
properties of Brauer configurations and Brauer configuration algebras, we show
that a Brauer configuration algebra is multiserial; that is, its Jacobson
radical is a sum of uniserial modules whose pairwise intersection is either
zero or a simple module. The paper ends with a detailed study of the
relationship between radical cubed zero Brauer configuration algebras,
symmetric matrices with non-negative integer entries, finite graphs and
associated symmetric radical cubed zero algebras.
