Transformation functions in Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis: a framework

There is a consolidated understanding in the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis literature about experts' cognitive stress when assessing many alternatives. This understanding relates the cognitive stress of experts to the intransitive assessments. This problem is relevant because intransitive assessments result in inconsistent matrices and unreliable information for decision-making. This research aims to develop a methodology to obtain transitive assessments even when the number of alternatives to be assessed is high. This methodology consists of simplifying the process of evaluating alternatives and generalizing its use to a broader range of decision-making problems. The theoretical and operational framework of the research includes the literature on group decision making, preference formats, transformation functions, and multi-criteria indicators. The contribution of this research is to provide reliable information for decision-making, in particular, a better representation of the costs of doing business in the twenty largest economies in the world.