Based on the novel stochastic methodology for describing quantum dynamics of dissipative systems [J. Shao, J. Chem. Phys. 120 (2004) 5053], a hierarchical approach is suggested and applied to the spin-boson model with Debye spectral density function. The algorithm to implement this deterministic technique is expounded and the numerical results for the spin-boson system are explained. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.