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One of the main factors leading to fatalities in construction sites is the inefficiency of safety training programs. This article presents an immersive and interactive virtual reality (VR) model for safety training, which is an advanced and more comprehensive version of previously developed VR models in the literature. The novelty of this research is present in the proposed general safety training model that is fully immersive and interactive, that is built based on the concepts of experiential learning; where users learn from their mistakes rather than being passive learners in a virtual environment. The model, which was developed using the Unity® platform and C#, contains 12 scenario‐based hazards with programmed interactions and responses to the actions of the trainees. The developed model was tested for two aspects: (1) the ability to achieve learning outcomes and supersede traditional training, and (2) user experience and usability. Using an experimental setting and statistical tests, the developed model has shown statistical significance when it comes to its efficiency in enhancing hazard identification and mitigation skills as opposed to traditional training. The model also performed well in terms of usability and user experience, and important lessons were extracted for future VR development in construction education applications. This research strengthens the utility of VR as an effective tool for experiential learning; which enables future research in exploring how computer applications can improve experiential learning even further.

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The Integrated Project Delivery method (IPD) is a contractual framework that features enhanced collaboration, risk and reward sharing under a single contract among the major project parties. This delivery method is gaining popularity in the US and other parts of the world, due to its proven results in efficient risk and cost sharing. Despite that, no significant investigations have been made to address the adaptability of the Middle East construction sector to the IPD delivery system. The objective of this research is to investigate the level of preparedness Middle Eastern markets have for adoption of the IPD delivery system. First, a thorough literature review was carried out to identify common barriers and enablers of applying IPD in construction. Second, a survey was carried out to assess and rank such barriers and enablers as they specifically apply to the Middle East construction sector. Third, through structured interviews with contract experts, strategies and guidelines were devised to be used by Middle East owners, consultants, and contractors who have the intention to implement the IPD delivery method in their projects. Finally, a thorough comparison was made between two major Middle Eastern countries, Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in terms of IPD application. The findings reveal that the main barriers to implementing IPD stem from cultural resistance to the new system and lack of knowledge about it. The subsequent strategies outlined by the research are expected to help the construction industry in the Middle East gain more depth of knowledge about the benefits and application of IPD.