on Construction Project Efficiency
and Risk Management
STUDENT PAPER
By Funke Folasade Fakunle, Agyemang Kenneth, Nizamuddin Pir, Ernest Brew, and Misagh Darvishi
Project Management Program
College of Professional Studies
Northeastern University
Toronto, Canada
Abstract
Digital Twin Technology (DTT) has emerged as a transformative tool in the construction industry, offering real-time simulation, predictive analysis, and enhanced project management capabilities. This study explores the possible impact of DTT on the efficiency and risk management of construction project using a mixed-methods research design. Adopting statistical methods such as regression analysis and paired t-tests the study will analyze the performance data from 20–30 DTT-based construction projects. To have a better understanding of the advantages and practical difficulties of implementing DTT, this study will use a combination of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with industry professionals to obtain qualitative insights. Due to real-time risk identification, resource allocation, and better scheduling, DTT adoption is expected to result in a 10%–20% reduction in project length, 5%–15% cost savings, and a 15%–25% decrease in safety occurrences. Broader acceptance, however, can be hampered by barriers like high execution costs, technical difficulty, and data safety. A small sample size, technological variation among studies, problems with data availability, and a constrained 11-week research timeframe are some of the study’s constraints that could limit the breadth of data gathering and analysis. The study concludes that in order to fully realize the potential of DTT, partnerships with technology providers, increased stakeholder engagement, and deliberate investment in DTT infrastructure are essential. The study recommends that future research can carry out longitudinal investigations, increase the sample size, and possibly investigate how AI-driven predictive models could enhance the precision and flexibility of DTT.
Keywords: Digital twin technology (DTT), risk management, Building Information Modeling (BIM), data integration, Internet of Things (IoT), construction project efficiency, sustainable construction practices.
- Introduction
Over the years, cost overruns, project delays, and unforeseen have been seen as persistent issues in the construction industry globally (Winch 2012; Fashina et al, 2021). With global infrastructure demands rising and projects becoming increasingly complex, traditional project management practices often struggle to address unexpected design changes, unpredictable environmental factors, resource constraints, and evolving stakeholder expectations (Winch 2012; Fashina et al, 2021; Tran & Nguyen, 2024). Since traditional project management methods have struggled to effectively address these complexities, there is a need for more advanced, data-driven solutions. As such, emerging digital innovations like digital twin technology have received a lot of attention in recent years for their capability to advance collaboration, increase project visibility, and reduce risks through real-time integration and analysis of data (Vieira et al., 2024). Digital Twin Technology (DTT) has long been seen as a promising solution to these challenges. It was first created by NASA in the early 2000s to model spacecraft behavior in real time, has since been used in a number of sectors, such as infrastructure building, manufacturing, and healthcare (Juarez, 2021).
In the construction sector, DTT enables real-time monitoring, simulation, and predictive analysis in the construction industry by generating a virtual representation of physical assets, construction processes, and systems (Moshood et al., 2024). Besides, DTT gives construction managers practical insights to maximize project performance and reduce risks by integrating data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems, and other digital platforms (Qian et al., 2022; Moshood et al., 2024). Likewise, DTT enables project managers to see schedule deviations, uncover design conflicts, and address problems before they become expensive delays by providing real-time project progress visualization (Zhao et al., 2022).
Consequently, construction teams are able to model project possibilities, assess possible hazards, and make well-informed decisions at different project stages thanks to this dynamic representation (Saini et al., 2022). Furthermore, DTT has shown remarkable success in large-scale construction projects worldwide (Omrany et al., 2023)…
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How to cite this paper: Fakunle, F. F., Kenneth, A., Pir, N., Brew, E., Darvishi, M. (2025). The Impact of Digital Twin Technology on Construction Project Efficiency and Risk Management; PM World Journal, Vol. XIX, Issue VII, July. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/pmwj154-Jul2025-Fakunle-et-al-Impact-of-Digital-Twin-Technology-on-Construction-Projects.pdf
About the Authors
Funke Folasade Fakunle
Toronto, Canada
Funke Folasade Fakunle is a seasoned Project Management professional with over 13 years of experience managing complex construction projects and driving health, safety, and environmental (HSE) compliance across diverse industries, including logistics, oil and gas, and construction. Her career is defined by a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, oversee multimillion-dollar projects, and ensure alignment with regulatory standards while maintaining high safety and quality benchmarks.
Currently pursuing a Master’s in Project Management with a concentration in Construction at Northeastern University, Funke is further honing her expertise in project scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration. Her academic journey complements her extensive professional background, equipping her with cutting-edge strategies to manage today’s fast-paced construction challenges. She has published 16 articles in reputed journals like Heliyon, PM World Journal etc.
Funke has held pivotal roles, including as HSE and Sustainability Manager at BHN Logistics, where she supervised projects exceeding 1 billion Naira, achieving an 80% reduction in incident rates and improving operational efficiency. Her leadership in managing construction phases at Tolaram Group and Concord Enviro FZE highlights her skill in optimizing processes, resolving on-site challenges, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
A passionate advocate for safe and sustainable construction practices, Funke is dedicated to creating environments where safety and efficiency go hand-in-hand. She actively contributes to community betterment through volunteering with organizations such as the Daily Bread Food Bank and Evergreen Brick Works, reflecting her commitment to social impact and collaboration.
Funke’s core competencies include project planning, compliance with building codes, SAP and Microsoft Project proficiency, and risk mitigation. She is an emerging thought leader in construction project management, with a mission to inspire and implement best practices that drive innovation and sustainability in the field.
Connect with Funke Fakunle to explore her insights and expertise in advancing construction project management standards worldwide.
Funke can be contacted on funkefakunleca@gmail.com
Agyemang Kenneth
Toronto, Canada
Agyemang Kenneth is an emerging construction project management professional currently pursuing a Master of Science in Project Management with a concentration in Construction at Northeastern University, Toronto. With a strong academic foundation and practical experience in residential and smart infrastructure projects, Kenneth brings a data-driven and technologically informed perspective to the evolving field of construction.
Kenneth’s career began in Ghana, where he contributed to various public and private sector projects, including urban housing and multi-site developments. At StarBorn Company Limited, he coordinated site activities for a 25-person team on projects valued up to GHC 10 million, achieving increased efficiency and zero reportable safety incidents. Later at Fragyengo Furniture Works, he led project operations across three building sites, enhancing performance metrics and integrating technology-led maintenance solutions that reduced operational costs by 15%.
His academic and professional journey reflects a strong grasp of project planning, scheduling, and risk analysis. He is proficient in various tools, including MS Project, Primavera, AutoCAD, and ArcGIS. Kenneth is currently preparing for PMP certification while sharpening his expertise in AI-assisted project planning and prompt engineering skills that reinforce his forward-thinking approach to project delivery.
Kenneth’s work is guided by a commitment to sustainable development and optimized resource use, shaped by his background in urban planning and his drive to integrate innovation in construction processes. He is particularly interested in the intersection of AI, digital technologies, and construction project delivery, aiming to contribute to smarter, safer, and more efficient built environments.
He welcomes opportunities to collaborate on forward-leaning projects and research in the areas of construction innovation and urban resilience. Kenneth can be contacted at agyemengkenneth666@gmail.com. Or www.linkedin.com/in/agyemang-kenneth-a21441148
Nizamuddin Pir
Toronto, Canada
Nizamuddin Pir is a dynamic project management professional with a diverse construction, mining, and entrepreneurship background. With over two years of professional experience managing infrastructure and energy projects in India, Nizam has successfully overseen complex operations in challenging environments—from desert terrains to remote transmission line foundations. His ability to lead teams, solve logistical issues, and deliver projects under pressure has consistently earned him recognition.
Currently pursuing a master’s in project management at Northeastern University, Toronto, Nizam is sharpening his capabilities in project scheduling, stakeholder communication, budgeting, and risk control. His academic journey builds on a solid foundation of leadership experience, equipping him with modern project tools and techniques, including Microsoft Project, SAP, and Lean methodologies.
Nizam has held critical roles, including Junior Project Manager at KJ Construction and Developers and Project Manager at TN Enterprise, where he managed Adani Transmission’s foundation construction projects. In both positions, he was instrumental in minimizing delays despite workforce shortages and equipment constraints, demonstrating a talent for operational resilience and efficiency.
An accomplished entrepreneur, Nizam is also an integral part of his family’s multimillion-dollar businesses, including Laxmipar Minerals (a leading mining and stone aggregate firm in Gujarat, India) and Goldsand Minechem Pvt. Ltd., an innovation-focused company. He has spearheaded initiatives in mango farming and e-commerce, earning 150% higher returns by pivoting to direct-to-customer retail and digital marketing strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nizam is deeply committed to innovation, sustainability, and value creation. He is actively working toward launching an MSand (manufactured sand) innovation plant in India and expanding operations to Canada. His core competencies include project planning, team leadership, strategic decision-making, construction logistics, and stakeholder engagement.
A top-ranked diploma graduate and media-recognized project innovator, Nizam aims to drive transformative impact in construction and infrastructure management by combining academic excellence with entrepreneurial acumen. Nizamuddin Pir can be contacted at pirn@northeastern.edu
Ernest Brew
Toronto, Canada
Ernest Brew is a dedicated and results-driven professional with a robust background in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, backed by years of hands-on experience across diverse industries. With a solid foundation in strategic sourcing, vendor management, contract negotiation, and logistics coordination, Ernest has consistently delivered value through cost optimization, process improvements, and supply chain efficiency.
Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Project Management with a concentration in Construction Management at Northeastern University, Toronto, Ernest is expanding his expertise into the dynamic field of construction project delivery. His academic journey is geared toward integrating his procurement acumen with comprehensive project management principles to effectively lead and manage complex construction initiatives.
Ernest brings a unique blend of operational insight and project leadership, aiming to bridge the gap between supply chain efficiency and successful project execution. His cross-functional knowledge positions him to contribute significantly to infrastructure development, construction planning, and stakeholder collaboration in both public and private sector projects.
With a passion for continuous learning and a commitment to excellence, Ernest Brew is poised to play a vital role in the future of construction and project management.
Misagh Darvishi
Toronto, Canada
Misagh Darvishi is a dedicated Construction Specialist and Project Management student with over 11 years of hands-on experience in construction, landscaping, and site management. His expertise spans concrete flooring, stone facade installation, tile work, and landscaping, along with a strong background in supervising teams and ensuring project quality and safety.
Currently pursuing a Master’s in Project Management at Northeastern University, Misagh is enhancing his skills in project scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder coordination to effectively lead construction projects from inception to completion. His academic training complements his practical experience, enabling him to implement innovative solutions and improve operational efficiency.
Misagh’s career highlights include successfully managing complex residential and commercial renovation projects at White Tiger Construction Inc., where he acts as both a specialist and foreman, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with industry standards. He is also experienced in customer service and operations management; skills honed through managing a gas station for several years prior to his construction career.
Passionate about continuous learning and community development, Misagh combines his engineering background with project management principles to drive sustainable and high-quality construction outcomes. He is fluent in Farsi and English, and actively seeks to contribute to the advancement of construction practices in Canada.
For inquiries or collaboration, Misagh can be contacted at misaghd7.d@gmail.com.
