Research is not a cure-all. Just like with the dinner party, once you discover the best menu, you still have to avoid spilling a whole bottle of Tabasco sauce into the cheesecake. One ministry researched the appeal of a donor premium. When the research suggested the premium had little appeal, the ministry ordered the items anyway, because the head of the ministry really liked it. It's a good thing he liked it so much, because they ended up with most of the premiums stockpiled in a warehouse when potential donors didn't share his enthusiasm.
Research is only a tool to be used wisely in the decision making process.
It certainly won't replace God's leading. It won't make the decisions for you, and it won't provide all the answers or guarantee success. But you're much more likely to be successful with information than without it. Allow sufficient time . Research efforts are often submarined by deadlines and lack of planning.