The analytical approach employed by both BSP and BISC is "top down". The implications of the words "top down" are multiple and varied, and all apply to these analysis. For instance: Top down implies scope - that is, looking at the business as a whole as opposed to looking at pieces or subparts of it. Top down implies level of detail that is, looking at the highest level of summarization and then decomposing hierarchically to lower levels of detail as required. Top down implies perspective - that is, the perspective of the highest levels of management as opposed to the operational levels of management.

Business Systems Planning and Business Information Control Study: A comparison, 1982