Final answer:
The entity responsible for prioritizing and selecting IT projects and resources is usually the steering committee. They set strategic priorities in alignment with business goals. In the context of power within an information society, a software engineer is typically more influential than a coal miner due to their role in technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The entity with the major duties of prioritizing and selecting IT projects and resources is typically the steering committee. A steering committee is a group of high-level stakeholders who are responsible for providing guidance on overall strategic direction. They do not manage the day-to-day operations but are in charge of setting priorities, making strategic decisions, and ensuring that the IT projects align with the business's goals and strategies.
In contrast to the options provided, while a CIO (Chief Information Officer) is responsible for the overall technology strategy, the actual selection and prioritization of projects may be done in consultation with a steering committee. A security officer focuses on the security aspect of IT projects and infrastructure, and a systems development manager usually oversees the specific development and implementation of systems.
When it comes to power within an information society, a software engineer is more likely to hold significant influence due to their role in creating and maintaining digital infrastructure which is central to information societies. Conversely, a coal miner, while an important occupation, does not have the same level of influence within an information society where IT and digital services dominate.