Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the mediating effect of learning capacity in the relationship between the social media usage by the construction of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their business performance in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey technique was used to collect data from the owner/manager of construction SMEs in Nigeria. The partial least square structural equation modeling was used in the assessment of the measurement model and structural model to assess the validity and reliability of the measures and to evaluate the hypotheses proposed in the conceptual model. Findings Empirical findings indicated a significant positive relationship between learning capacity and performance of SMEs. Similarly, the use of social media is significantly and positively associated to the business performance of SMEs. It has also been shown that learning capacity is a mediator of the relationship between social media and SME performance. Research limitations/implications The data for the study is are all from a single industry and a related line of business, so it could be more interesting to include more companies across sectors or industries. The finding contributes to the ongoing debate on the effect of social media on business performance. It also defined the need for the owner/manager of SMEs to understand and appreciate the effect of social media through the organization's learning potential to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. Practical implications There are a number of theoretical and practical implications for academics and practitioners who are interested in further studies of organizational social media. The research presents a quantitative study on the effect of social media adoption on the organizational performance of the construction industry. This study confirms the mediating role of learning capability in the relationship between the use of social media and performance of SMEs operating in the construction industry. Originality/value This study empirically examined the relationship between social media adoption and the SMEs learning capability and business performance by evaluating a hypothesized conceptual framework to establish the relationships.

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of social media adoption on the performance of construction small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachConstruction SMEs owners and managers in Nigeria were surveyed using questionnaires to gather data. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to assess measurement reliability and validity, as well as the hypothesized paths provided in the conceptual model that formed part of the final conclusions.FindingsThe empirical finding showed that social media usage increased knowledge accessibility, reduced costs and improved customer relations and service for organizations. Overall, social media adoption was significantly and positively related to SMEs business performance. Also, the paper revealed that learning capability mediates the relationship between social media and SMEs performance.Research limitations/implicationsData for the study came from only one industry and one related line of business; thus, including more companies from different sectors or industries could be more interesting. The study's findings contributed to the growing body of knowledge about the impact of social media on the efficiency of businesses. Small and medium-sized businesses also need to understand and recognize the impact of social media on the organization's performance in order to achieve a long-term competitive edge from the adoption of social media.Practical implicationsAccording to the findings, small construction firms can benefit from marketing the brands through social media channels and improved learning capability. In terms of accessibility, cost savings and improved relationships with customers, research shows that social media promotion can be beneficial to businesses. A study like this has the potential to show how social media can help striving small businesses interact cost-effectively with customers all over the world, opening new doors for sales and continuous improvement.Originality/valueThe relationship between SME performance in Nigeria and the use of social media has received very little attention despite social media's promising potentials, particularly for small businesses. The authors hoped that this study will fill a gap in the authors' understanding of how social media affects the performance of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the construction industry.

Banking activities which involve the use of counting machines, Automated teller machines, and exchange of naira notes play potential roles in the spread of infectious microorganisms. This study aimed at determining the microbial status of banks within Ekiti State University campus. A total of 96 samples were collected from six different banks’ in–door air, ATM, counting tables and Money counting machines in Ekiti State University campus. The samples were collected both in the morning and afternoon. Bacteria and fungi were isolated from the samples using serial dilution and pour plating methods. The isolates were identified based on morphological and biochemical characterization. Susceptibility pattern of the isolates to different classes of antibiotics (Penicillins, Quinolones, Macrolides, Aminoglycosides, Fluoroquinolones and Sulfonamides) were determined using agar disc diffusion method. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in bacteria counts on all the equipment analyzed in all the banks except Heritage bank. Analysis of variance also revealed significant difference in the bacteria counts from the banks in the morning and in the afternoon (p<0.05). Bacteria and fungi isolated from the samples belonged to the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Escherichia Serratia, Pseudomonas, Proteus Bacilllus, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Mucor and Fusarium where bacteria group dominated with 65% while their fungal counterparts were 35% of the total isolates. Escherichia coli had the highest percentage occurrence of 18.6%, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (15.2%) while Proteus sp. had the lowest occurrence (1%). The isolates exhibited resistance to Augmentin (100%), Erythromycin (100%), Amoxycillin (96%), Cotrimoxazole (96%), Chloramphenicol (86%), Streptomycin (72%) and Gentamycin (58%) while their growths were inhibited by Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Prefloxacin and Septrin. Plasmid analysis of the resistant strains showed that the isolates lack plasmids. The presence of potential pathogens in the banks and multiple antibiotic resistance displayed by the isolates constitutes risk to the public health. Hence, measures such as thorough hand washing with soap and hand sanitization after using the bank and its facilities should be emphasized.

Tropicalizing a building might seem like the best option for a young architect who lands in the tropics, but this is an approach contrary to sustainability. Claude Laurens, through one of his first projects in Congo, understood that it was better to deal with the place from the start. His project became one of the best examples of tropical modernism. The article attempts to contrast an import approach with a more sustainable one, to deal with the present and future context. The research method adopted for this study was a mixed method approach where data was sourced from literature as secondary source and compared with direct observation of the selected case study (The Sabena Towers). The results are presented as figures which were used to further illustrate findings. The result showed that the architect, with little information, did his utmost to offer Congo a new architecture that fitted with the objectives of sustainable development. The study concluded that the architect chose not to adopt the foreign architecture as a solution for the sustainability issues he encountered in the design, rather he evolved solutions that were Congolese based and therefore responded adequately to the challenges of sustainability in Congo and created an architecture for Congo.