Capella University

DB-FPX8720: Strategic Digital Transformation

A study guide to the FlexPath course on leading digital transformation and building abbreviated project proposals.

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

DB-FPX8720 is a 2-point FlexPath course. The prerequisite is DB-FPX8610 or DB-FPX8710 and it cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

The catalog says students analyze literature on digital transformation, investigate frameworks for a strategic, competitive plan, and create abbreviated proposals based on problems found in digital ecosystems.

The proposals are short, but they are a rehearsal for the capstone. Students must frame a real problem, justify it with literature and show how a research technique would fit into planning and managing change. The temptation is to write about technology rather than about a problem.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversityCapella University
Course codeDB-FPX8720
ProgramDoctor of Business Administration (DBA), FlexPath
LevelDoctoral
Size in the catalog2 program points
PrerequisitesDB-FPX8610 or DB-FPX8710
Transfer creditMarked "cannot be fulfilled by transfer" in the catalog
Typical workSelf-paced assessments on digital transformation literature, frameworks and abbreviated project proposals

What DB-FPX8720 Covers

The catalog description highlights four themes.

AreaWhat it means in practice
Digital transformation literatureWhat counts as transformation, and what research shows about success and failure
Frameworks and toolsModels for a strategic, competitive digital plan
Digital ecosystemsPlatforms, partners and customers whose interactions create value
Abbreviated proposalsShort, valid project ideas based on real problems
Research technique and project planningHow a method fits into managing digital change

Key Ideas Worked Through

Digitization, Digitalisation and Transformation

Digitization converts information into digital form. Digitalisation uses digital tools to change processes. Transformation changes the business model or the way value is created.

Example: A manufacturer scans paper records (digitization), then uses a system to schedule maintenance automatically (digitalisation). It then sells uptime as a service based on sensor data (transformation). A good paper says which level the scenario shows and why the difference matters for strategy.

Platform Ecosystems and Network Effects

In a platform ecosystem, the value to each participant rises as more participants join. Strategy then involves attracting both sides and managing partners.

Example: A freight marketplace becomes more useful to shippers as carriers join, and vice versa. A paper would note the cold-start problem, the role of complementary services and the risk of dependence on a dominant platform.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

Assessment names are not published in the catalog.

Work typeWhat it testsHow to approach it
Literature analysisCommand of the fieldGroup sources by idea and compare findings
Framework applicationStrategic reasoningApply a model to a digital scenario and note limits
Abbreviated proposalProblem framingState the problem, justification and a suitable technique
Planning noteLinking method to change managementShow how data collection fits the project timeline

Working Through the Assessments

FlexPath work in DB-FPX8720 is self-paced and judged against scoring guides rather than weekly deadlines. That freedom is useful only if you plan the order of attack yourself.

StageWhat to do
ScanFind real digital problems in an ecosystem you know
TestCheck each against literature for evidence of the problem
FrameWrite a short proposal: problem, justification, method
RefineEnsure the method fits the question and the change plan

Anatomy of an Abbreviated Proposal

Abbreviated proposals rehearse the capstone format in miniature. A compact structure keeps them focused and makes each part easy for a reviewer to check.

Check that each element is no longer than needed. A short proposal with a tight chain from problem to technique beats a long one with loose links.

Questions to Ask of a Digital Ecosystem

Digital ecosystems are easy to describe loosely. These questions give you a disciplined way to map one before you write about it.

The last question links the map to a proposal. A problem visible in the ecosystem and supported by evidence is a far stronger starting point than a general wish to adopt a technology.

Where Students Get Stuck

Study Tips for DB-FPX8720

How We Help with DB-FPX8720

Send the prompt, scoring guide and your idea. A writer can prepare a model abbreviated proposal, show how to frame a digital problem, or review your draft.

GradeEssays is independent of Capella University and is not affiliated with it. Our work is a study and reference aid: use it to understand the method, then write and submit your own work under Capella's academic integrity policy.

We do not take assessments for submission, and we cannot promise any scoring level. Every order is written from scratch and plagiarism-checked, with free revisions within the scope of your original request and a full refund if it is late.

Turn a Digital Problem into a Proposal

Share the prompt, scoring guide and idea. We prepare a worked reference or review your proposal.

Start My DB-FPX8720 Help

Free revisions · Full refund if late · Written from scratch for your order

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prerequisite for DB-FPX8720?

The catalog lists DB-FPX8610 or DB-FPX8710.

What is an abbreviated proposal?

A short outline of a project idea based on a problem, with justification and a research technique.

Can it be transferred?

No. It is marked as not fulfilled by transfer.

How is DB-FPX8720 scored in FlexPath?

Capella FlexPath work is typically evaluated against a scoring guide with performance levels, and you move on once each assessment reaches the required level. Check your course room for the exact standard and any limits on attempts.

Is it a technology course?

No. It is a strategy and research course about digital change.

What follows it?

DB-FPX8630 and DB-FPX8730 accept DB-FPX8720 as an option.