A method to enable software architects to optimally select resources to enhance reused or previously developed components of a UML model. During a UML design phase, if a component is detected to be an enhancement of a previously developed component, the method determines if the resource who developed the component previously is available for assignment. If available, the resource is selected as the optimal candidate. If unavailable, the system and methods look at several factors to determine if reassignment of resource is possible. These factors implement: a Keyword/Requirement Assignment; a Component History Detection or a Component Update History detection where a keyword triggers a search for developers who worked on a previous version; a Repository History where absence of a keyword triggers a search in component repositories for a component development history, and associated developers. After component developers are identified, their current availability is determined.