An assessment of Australia's housing industry determined the level of management skills currently existing in the industry, identified current and future management skills required for the industry, and evaluated current management skill development strategies. Data were collected from the following activities: review of recent literature; study of 4 housing companies that were selected to illustrate management training practice; interviews with 22 industry representatives; 6 focus group meetings of approximately 10 people each; and consultation with key industry stakeholders and educational providers. Small builders were generally unaware of the value of undertaking management training. Medium- to large-size builders were most likely to value financial and other management skills. Management skills were usually learned informally. Fourteen management skills in four broad areas (managing operations, finance, people, and information) were deemed critical to the industry's future. It was recommended that formal training in entry-level management skills be expanded, small builders' and subcontractors' access to continuing training in management skills be increased significantly, and distance learning programs covering the management skills identified in the study be developed. (Appended are the interview schedule and lists of the interview and focus group participants. The bibliography contains 17 references.) (MN)