A pilot study in effort estimation for the generalization of object-oriented components for reuse

Generalizing components for future reuse is advocated as a worthwhile investment of time and resources. Some studies have attempted to quantify the additional costs of generalization of object-oriented components for reuse, with varying success. In this pilot study, we not only analyze one small data set for values of generalization effort but, more importantly, we develop an algorithmic approach that can be used to predict how much data is needed before a reliable estimate can be made.