Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
09 October 2024
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
If there's an update after this article is published, the information will appear in the Post-Publication Notes section.
Introduction
A whistleblower/tip informed Scott M. Graffius that Bournemouth University was using his copyrighted property without credit. After Graffius received the details including proof, he confirmed that the report was valid.
The unauthorized and unattributed use of Graffius' copyrighted property was not ‘fair use’ nor ‘fair dealing’ nor otherwise allowed.
Based on the indisputable facts, the bad acts involve the ethical issue of plagiarism and the legal issue of copyright infringement.
Graffius maintains, enforces, and protects his copyright and other intellectual property rights. This article serves as a clarion call for Bournemouth University to face the repercussions of, and take responsibility for, their blatant and damaging violation.
Background
Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Scott M. Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his ‘Phases of Team Development’ as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development — Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning — inclusive of a graph showing how performance varies by phase, as well as the characteristics and strategies for each phase.
Graffius' intellectual property (IP) is registered with the United States Copyright Office.
Graffius initially developed his ‘Phases of Team Development’ unique material in 2008, and he periodically refreshes it.
For reference, the visual from the edition applicable to this case (v2019) [Exhibit 1] is shown below. It is also available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/Using-Bruce- Tuckmans-Phases-of-Team-Development.html and other locations. The integrated text applies.
As shown above, Graffius’ copyright ownership details are integrated into and appear on his copyrighted property. Specifically, it reads: "Copyright © 2008-2019 Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved. For permission requests, contact scott@scottgraffius.com."
Organizations around the world engage Graffius to deliver compelling talks and workshops. To date, he's presented sessions at 91 conferences and other events across 25 countries, including:
Graffius ‘Phases of Team Development’ IP is central and key to many of those sessions. His rate card and a listing of his engagements are at https://scottgraffius.com/resources/Exceptional-PPM-and-PMO-Solutions-Rate-Card-for-2024-2025-v24071607.pdf and https://scottgraffius.com/publicspeaker.html, respectively.
With an authorization/license from Graffius, his ‘Phases of Team Development’ IP is featured and used by businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities around the world. Examples include:
Copyrights protect the intellectual property rights of creators, ensuring they receive recognition and compensation for their work, thus incentivizing creativity and innovation. Graffius is vigilant in upholding, protecting and enforcing his copyrights and other IP rights.
Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property Without Authorization or Attribution
Indisputable proof follows.
Exhibit 2 is below. It provides views of Bournemouth University 'Key Programme Information.' Pages 1 of 2 from the programme are shown. A zoomed-in view of page 2—where 'Strategic Sport Management' is circled in red—is also shown.
Exhibit 3 is below. It shows pages 1 and 7 of the infringing document.
As shown above, the infringing document is marked with:
Again, Graffius’ copyright ownership details and permission request information are integrated into and appear on his intellectual property.
Permission to use Graffius’ copyrighted property was not requested nor approved.
Nevertheless, Graffius’ copyrighted property was used in the infringing publication.
Comparing Graffius' copyrighted 'Phases of Team Development' intellectual property with the infringing document is revealing.
The infringing publication used Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the phases of team development word-for-word. Here are some examples:
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Forming: "Questioning"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Forming: "Questioning"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Forming: "Socializing"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Forming: "Socializing"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Forming: "Displaying eagerness"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Forming: "Displaying eagerness"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Storming: "Resistance"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Storming: "Resistance"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Storming: "Lack of participation"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Storming: "Lack of participation"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Storming: "Conflict"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Storming: "Conflict"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Storming: "Competition"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Storming: "Competition"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Storming: "High emotions"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Storming: "High emotions"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Norming: "Reconciliation"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Norming: "Reconciliation"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Norming: "Relief"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Norming: "Relief"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Adjourning: "Sadness"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Adjourning: "Sadness"
Additionally, the infringing publication used Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the phases of team development with slight re-wording (which, in context, is still infringement). Here are some examples:
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Norming: "Members are engaged and supportive"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Norming: "Engaged" and "Supportive"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Performing: "Demonstrations of interdependence"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Performing: "Interdependence"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Adjourning: "Recognition of team and individual efforts"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Adjourning: "Recognition of individual and collective efforts"
The preceding examples are not an exhaustive list.
The comparison in Exhibit 4 (below) also shows the extensive infringement in the educational material from Bournemouth University.
Conclusion
Again, Graffius’ copyright ownership details and permission request information are integrated into and appear on his intellectual property.
Permission to use Graffius’ copyrighted property was not requested nor approved.
Nevertheless, the infringing publication used Graffius’ copyrighted property.
A significant volume of Graffius’ copyrighted property was used.
The infringing publication used Graffius' copyrighted property word-for-word and also with slight re-wording (which, in context, is still a violation).
The infringing publication did not attribute Graffius’ copyrighted property to Graffius. Regardless of intent, the infringement wrongly leads others to falsely believe that the author of the infringing publication is the author and owner of Graffius’ respective copyrighted property.
So long as the infringing publication exists anywhere, it continues to spread misinformation and violate Graffius’ intellectual property.
The infringement damaged the marketability and value of Graffius’ copyrighted property.
For the aforementioned reasons, the use of Graffius’ copyrighted property was not ‘fair use’ nor ‘fair dealing’ nor otherwise allowed.
Bournemouth University must immediately implement the following three (3) actions:
Graffius maintains, enforces, and protects his copyright and other intellectual property rights.
He reserves his rights in this disturbing and consequential matter.
This case remains open.
If there's an update after this article is published, the information will appear in the Post-Publication Notes section.
About Bournemouth University
Founded in 1992, Bournemouth University is a public university in Bournemouth, England. Its main campus is in neighboring Poole. The university has over 16,000 students.
In 2023, Bournemouth University received a silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, a government assessment of the quality of undergraduate teaching in universities and other higher education providers in England.
In 2024, it was proven that Bournemouth University educational materials infringed on the copyright of Scott M. Graffius.
To learn more about the university, visit https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a global leader in agile project management, an expert on teamwork tradecraft, an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms, a creator, a consultant, a trainer, an award-winning author, and an international public speaker.
See his bio to learn more.
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2024, October 9). Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/bournemouth-university-2024.html.
Content Acknowledgements
This article uses limited excerpts from Bournemouth University content, attributed to Bournemouth University and used under fair use for news reporting and analysis.
Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Bournemouth University name, mark, and content (except for what was stolen from others) are the property of Bournemouth University.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
If there's an update after this article is published, the information will appear in the Post-Publication Notes section.
Introduction
A whistleblower/tip informed Scott M. Graffius that Bournemouth University was using his copyrighted property without credit. After Graffius received the details including proof, he confirmed that the report was valid.
The unauthorized and unattributed use of Graffius' copyrighted property was not ‘fair use’ nor ‘fair dealing’ nor otherwise allowed.
Based on the indisputable facts, the bad acts involve the ethical issue of plagiarism and the legal issue of copyright infringement.
Graffius maintains, enforces, and protects his copyright and other intellectual property rights. This article serves as a clarion call for Bournemouth University to face the repercussions of, and take responsibility for, their blatant and damaging violation.
Background
Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Scott M. Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his ‘Phases of Team Development’ as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development — Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning — inclusive of a graph showing how performance varies by phase, as well as the characteristics and strategies for each phase.
Graffius' intellectual property (IP) is registered with the United States Copyright Office.
Graffius initially developed his ‘Phases of Team Development’ unique material in 2008, and he periodically refreshes it.
For reference, the visual from the edition applicable to this case (v2019) [Exhibit 1] is shown below. It is also available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/Using-Bruce- Tuckmans-Phases-of-Team-Development.html and other locations. The integrated text applies.
As shown above, Graffius’ copyright ownership details are integrated into and appear on his copyrighted property. Specifically, it reads: "Copyright © 2008-2019 Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved. For permission requests, contact scott@scottgraffius.com."
Organizations around the world engage Graffius to deliver compelling talks and workshops. To date, he's presented sessions at 91 conferences and other events across 25 countries, including:
- Armenia,
- Australia,
- Brazil,
- Canada,
- Czech Republic,
- Finland,
- France,
- Germany,
- Greece,
- Hong Kong,
- Hungary,
- India,
- Ireland,
- Lithuania,
- Luxembourg,
- Nepal,
- Netherlands,
- New Zealand,
- Norway,
- Romania,
- Sweden,
- Switzerland,
- United Arab Emirates,
- United Kingdom,
- and the United States.
Graffius ‘Phases of Team Development’ IP is central and key to many of those sessions. His rate card and a listing of his engagements are at https://scottgraffius.com/resources/Exceptional-PPM-and-PMO-Solutions-Rate-Card-for-2024-2025-v24071607.pdf and https://scottgraffius.com/publicspeaker.html, respectively.
With an authorization/license from Graffius, his ‘Phases of Team Development’ IP is featured and used by businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities around the world. Examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Hasso Plattner Institute,
- IEEE,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- LeadingEng,
- London South Bank University,
- Manufacturers Alliance,
- Microsoft,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Torrens University Australia,
- U.S. National Park Service,
- U.S. Tennis Association,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway Ireland,
- Virginia Tech,
- Warsaw University,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Copyrights protect the intellectual property rights of creators, ensuring they receive recognition and compensation for their work, thus incentivizing creativity and innovation. Graffius is vigilant in upholding, protecting and enforcing his copyrights and other IP rights.
Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property Without Authorization or Attribution
Indisputable proof follows.
Exhibit 2 is below. It provides views of Bournemouth University 'Key Programme Information.' Pages 1 of 2 from the programme are shown. A zoomed-in view of page 2—where 'Strategic Sport Management' is circled in red—is also shown.
Exhibit 3 is below. It shows pages 1 and 7 of the infringing document.
As shown above, the infringing document is marked with:
- “Bournemouth University”
- “MSc Sport Management”
- “Strategic Sport Management 23&24”
- “Theories of Leadership IV: Managing Conflicts”
Again, Graffius’ copyright ownership details and permission request information are integrated into and appear on his intellectual property.
Permission to use Graffius’ copyrighted property was not requested nor approved.
Nevertheless, Graffius’ copyrighted property was used in the infringing publication.
Comparing Graffius' copyrighted 'Phases of Team Development' intellectual property with the infringing document is revealing.
The infringing publication used Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the phases of team development word-for-word. Here are some examples:
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Forming: "Questioning"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Forming: "Questioning"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Forming: "Socializing"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Forming: "Socializing"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Forming: "Displaying eagerness"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Forming: "Displaying eagerness"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Storming: "Resistance"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Storming: "Resistance"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Storming: "Lack of participation"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Storming: "Lack of participation"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Storming: "Conflict"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Storming: "Conflict"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Storming: "Competition"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Storming: "Competition"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Storming: "High emotions"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Storming: "High emotions"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Norming: "Reconciliation"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Norming: "Reconciliation"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Norming: "Relief"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Norming: "Relief"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Adjourning: "Sadness"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Adjourning: "Sadness"
Additionally, the infringing publication used Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the phases of team development with slight re-wording (which, in context, is still infringement). Here are some examples:
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Norming: "Members are engaged and supportive"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Norming: "Engaged" and "Supportive"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Performing: "Demonstrations of interdependence"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Performing: "Interdependence"
🟢 Graffius’ copyrighted Phases of Team Development property includes this for Adjourning: "Recognition of team and individual efforts"
🔴 The Bournemouth University infringing leadership publication includes this for Adjourning: "Recognition of individual and collective efforts"
The preceding examples are not an exhaustive list.
The comparison in Exhibit 4 (below) also shows the extensive infringement in the educational material from Bournemouth University.
Conclusion
Again, Graffius’ copyright ownership details and permission request information are integrated into and appear on his intellectual property.
Permission to use Graffius’ copyrighted property was not requested nor approved.
Nevertheless, the infringing publication used Graffius’ copyrighted property.
A significant volume of Graffius’ copyrighted property was used.
The infringing publication used Graffius' copyrighted property word-for-word and also with slight re-wording (which, in context, is still a violation).
The infringing publication did not attribute Graffius’ copyrighted property to Graffius. Regardless of intent, the infringement wrongly leads others to falsely believe that the author of the infringing publication is the author and owner of Graffius’ respective copyrighted property.
So long as the infringing publication exists anywhere, it continues to spread misinformation and violate Graffius’ intellectual property.
The infringement damaged the marketability and value of Graffius’ copyrighted property.
For the aforementioned reasons, the use of Graffius’ copyrighted property was not ‘fair use’ nor ‘fair dealing’ nor otherwise allowed.
Bournemouth University must immediately implement the following three (3) actions:
- Remove the Infringing Material. Electronic Versions: Immediately remove the infringing material from digital platforms where it is advertised, promoted, sold, or distributed; this includes removing or disabling any online access to it. Physical Copies: If physical copies of the material are in inventory or circulation, stop further distribution; recall any copies already distributed; destroy physical copies.
- Issue a Retraction. Publish a formal retraction notice acknowledging the infringement and the steps taken to rectify the situation. The notice will present the facts as they are—the notice will not "spin" or "downplay" the infringement.
- Notify Relevant Parties. Recipients: Inform the respective subscribers, purchasers, or recipients of the material about the retraction, ensuring transparency about the issue; again, the notice will present the facts as they are—the notice will not "spin" or "downplay" the infringement. Indexes and Databases: Notify any databases or indexing services that list the material so they can update their records accordingly.
Graffius maintains, enforces, and protects his copyright and other intellectual property rights.
He reserves his rights in this disturbing and consequential matter.
This case remains open.
If there's an update after this article is published, the information will appear in the Post-Publication Notes section.
About Bournemouth University
Founded in 1992, Bournemouth University is a public university in Bournemouth, England. Its main campus is in neighboring Poole. The university has over 16,000 students.
In 2023, Bournemouth University received a silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, a government assessment of the quality of undergraduate teaching in universities and other higher education providers in England.
In 2024, it was proven that Bournemouth University educational materials infringed on the copyright of Scott M. Graffius.
To learn more about the university, visit https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a global leader in agile project management, an expert on teamwork tradecraft, an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms, a creator, a consultant, a trainer, an award-winning author, and an international public speaker.
See his bio to learn more.
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2024, October 9). Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/bournemouth-university-2024.html.
Content Acknowledgements
This article uses limited excerpts from Bournemouth University content, attributed to Bournemouth University and used under fair use for news reporting and analysis.
Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Bournemouth University name, mark, and content (except for what was stolen from others) are the property of Bournemouth University.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.