Effectiveness
However you define quality, the right algorithm can make sure you get the highest quality solutions possible.
Efficiency
Whether your critical resources are time, money, or widgets, the right algorithm and implementation can make sure you consume the least possible of them.
Heuristics
Some problems are really hard. Even for computers. Get the most out of your hard-earned experience by incorporating rules-of-thumb into your computations.
Trade-off Analysis
The good enough solution right now or the perfect solution next week? You have to know what your options are to choose the right strategy.