  We present a universal approach to the investigation of the dynamics in
generalized models. In these models the processes that are taken into account
are not restricted to specific functional forms. Therefore a single generalized
models can describe a class of systems which share a similar structure. Despite
this generality, the proposed approach allows us to study the dynamical
properties of generalized models efficiently in the framework of local
bifurcation theory. The approach is based on a normalization procedure that is
used to identify natural parameters of the system. The Jacobian in a steady
state is then derived as a function of these parameters. The analytical
computation of local bifurcations using computer algebra reveals conditions for
the local asymptotic stability of steady states and provides certain insights
on the global dynamics of the system. The proposed approach yields a close
connection between modelling and nonlinear dynamics. We illustrate the
investigation of generalized models by considering examples from three
different disciplines of science: a socio-economic model of dynastic cycles in
china, a model for a coupled laser system and a general ecological food web.
