# Engineering the Future: Evaluation of Virtual Reality Across Project Lifecycle Stages
###### Abstract
Focusing on VR solutions, they can be classified by their level of immersion and interactivity. Non-immersive VR involves interacting with VEs through standard screens and input devices commonly used in education and architectural visualization [7]. Semi-immersive VR utilizes large projection systems to enhance presence, often found in flight simulators and museum exhibits [16]. Fully immersive VR relies on headsets and motion tracking to deliver real-time, immersive experiences, particularly in gaming and therapeutic settings [17]. Applications of VR span a wide range of disciplines, reflecting its transformative potential across sectors. In the entertainment industry, the origin of VR adoption, VR has revolutionized video gaming by offering immersive experiences. In education, it is used for training in fields such as medicine, safety, and the military, allowing learners to engage in lifelike simulations without real-world consequences. Architecture and urban design benefit from VR by creating detailed virtual models, while industrial design uses it to optimize production chains. In the business realm, VR facilitates remote collaboration through virtual meetings and simulations, expanding the possibilities for global teamwork [18]. VR has been found to offer considerable benefits in areas including construction safety management, visualization of complex processes, improved communication, real-time data acquisition, and education in construction management. It is also useful for tracking project timelines and monitoring progress [19]. Specifically, in the field of management, VR opens new opportunities for innovation and efficiency. It can be used to create immersive collaborative spaces for geographically dispersed teams, enhancing communication and decision-making. It also offers immersive employee training environments that improve skill acquisition and retention. Additionally, VR supports virtual prototyping for engineers and designers, enables real-time visualization of project progress, and contributes to risk mitigation strategies. Unlike gaming, which typically targets individual users, management applications often rely on Shared Virtual Reality (SVR)--a multi-user experience accessed over the Internet. In SVR, users interact within the same virtual environment, making it suitable for collaborative tasks and team-based project management [20; 21]. For example, in large-scale construction projects--often characterized by high complexity, numerous stakeholders, and the need for client and end-user involvement--VR serves as a powerful communication tool that facilitates clearer understanding among all parties [22]. [PERSON] [23] reviewed the application of AR and VR in the context of construction project management. The review highlighted that these technologies can significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of core project tasks such as scheduling, progress tracking, and worker training. One significant and centric component in management applications is project management. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [24] introduced the Visual Immersive Analytics for Project Management (VIAProMa) framework, which integrates data from existing project management tools to generate immersive 3D visualizations. This approach enhances remote collaboration by providing stakeholders with a shared virtual environment where complex project data can be explored and interpreted collectively. The emergence of the Metaverse, once considered the realm of science fiction, has further expanded the potential of such tools in project management. The Metaverse is defined as \"a collective virtual shared space that encompasses both the physical and digital worlds. It is a virtual world created using a combination of VR, AR, and other technologies\" [25]. According to the Institute of Project Management [25], Metaverse applications in project management may include project visualization and simulation, virtual prototyping, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced stakeholder engagement and communication.