The main topic of this PhD thesis is metaheuristic algorithm in wider scope. The first chapters are dedicated to a description of broader context of metaheuristics, i.e. various optimization classes, determination of their omplexity and different approaches to their solutions. The consequent discussion about metaheuristics and their typical characteristics is followed by several selected examples of metaheuristics concepts. The observed characteristics serve as a base for building general metaheuristics model which is suitable for developing brand new or hybrid algorithms. The thesis is concluded by illustration of author’s publications with discussion about their adaptation to the proposed model. On the attached CD, there is also available...